Developments in Hong Kong and Macau
November 19, 2024
(Washington)—The Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Representative Christoper Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) issued the following statement on the expected trial of Jimmy Lai and the sentencing of pro-democracy advocates commonly known as the “Hong Kong 47” (HK47).
“The expected trial of Jimmy Lai and sentencing of the HK47 advocates violates international law and must be widely condemned—including by the U.S. State Department. The Biden administration should levy sanctions on judges and prosecutors responsible for undermining democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
(Washington)—In a letter released today, a bipartisan group of U.S.
(Washington)—Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Chair and Co-chair, respectively, of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), held a hearing on the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre examining both the legacy of the Tiananmen protests for democracy and human rights and their ongoing importance for a new generation of rights advocates.
“The Hong Kong government is again bulldozing the freedoms and rule of law that once made it so vital and prosperous. These verdicts are yet another sign that the Chinese Communist Party is pulling the strings, as its extreme efforts to restrict democracy and human rights now dictate Hong Kong’s political and judicial institutions. Let us be clear: the Hong Kong 47 verdicts violate international law and treaty obligations.
(Washington, D.C.)— Members of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) will conduct a press conference with other members of Congress and civil society groups to discuss the implications of the Safeguarding National Security Bill (a.k.a. Article 23 legislation) on Friday, March 22nd at 1:15pm (EDT).
(Washington)—U.S. Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Chair and Cochair, respectively of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China, released today a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing their reservations about Article 23 legislation and asking the Secretary to “take additional steps to protect American citizens and businesses in Hong Kong” and overseas Hong Kongers who are subject to transnational repression.