Hong Kong: Chairs Urge Administration to “Strongly Condemn” Threat to Deploy PLA

July 24, 2019

(Washington)—U.S. Representative James McGovern (D-MA) and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the Chair and Cochair respectively of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) today issued a joint statement urging the Administration to condemn the threat to deploy the People’s Liberation Army in Hong Kong.

“Threats of intervention by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong are unacceptable and needlessly escalate tensions. Escalation of violence – whether on the part of organized crime thugs or the PLA – will only further undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and rule of law. Instead, the Hong Kong government should listen to the legitimate grievances of Hong Kongers and enter into substantive discussions. Consistent with the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act, we stand with those in Hong Kong who are peacefully promoting democratic principles and the rule of law – rights guaranteed to them both by the Chinese government and their own. The Trump Administration should strongly and publicly condemn any threats to Hong Kong citizens and U.S. residents of Hong Kong. We also ask the Hong Kong government to condemn the Chinese government’s threats as unwelcome interference in Hong Kong’s affairs.”   

Background: Today, Colonel Wu Qian of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a propaganda officer, warned that China is ready to act and hinted that PLA forces may be used to intervene in Hong Kong. On June 13, CECC Commissioners introduced that Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the U.S. Congress.