The Hong Kong Protests Require US Action

by Newt Gingrich: As the Hong Kong protests continue and the calls for freedom for the people of Hong Kong become more widespread, the United States now has an opportunity to take action.

More than 20 years after the British handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the high degree of autonomy and freedoms that were promised to the Hong Kong people have been suppressed and violated by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Though the extradition bill that ignited these protests has been withdrawn, the demonstrations have evolved into demands for the Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s resignation, investigation into police brutality, the release of arrested demonstrators, and more democratic freedom.

Indeed, public dialogue platforms for protestors to voice concerns are being organized by Lam, but concrete progress toward protecting the rights entitled to the Hong Kong people remain elusive. The Hong Kong police have even stooped to dehumanizing the protestors. Recent footage was released showing officers kicking what a senior police official described as a “yellow object” – when it was clearly a human being lying on the ground dressed in a yellow shirt.

Leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle have made strong statements condemning the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong government’s exploits – but now is the time to attach action to words.

The Congress can do this by passing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 that was introduced by Congressman Chris Smith and Senator Marco Rubio. This bill will hold Hong Kong and Chinese Communist Party officials accountable for their promises to protect the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people.

In 1984, under China’s “one country two systems” model, China signed a Joint Declaration with the British that would give Hong Kong a “high degree of autonomy” after the 1997 handover. It also protected Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms “including those of the person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of religious belief.” The Joint Declaration further promised to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights and Hong Kong’s 1997 Basic Law, which identified democratic elections as an “ultimate aim.”

In 1992, the United States passed the Hong Kong Policy Act, which resulted in Hong Kong being treated separately from the rest of mainland China in terms of trade, commerce, immigration, investment, and cultural and educational collaborations. However, while Hong Kong has grown to become an international economic and business hub (the US was Hong Kong’s number two trading partner in 2018) it has not evolved into the democratic and free “special administrative region” of China that was promised decades ago.

As Hong Kong moves toward what a report by the British House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee called “One Country, One and a Half Systems” – with the Communist Party’s approach being closer to a “One Country, One System” model – the United States must not turn a blind eye to the violations against Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy.

Under the 1992 Hong Kong Policy Act, Hong Kong’s special treatment is based upon its maintenance of its promised autonomy. These privileges however can be selectively suspended by the president through executive order.

The proposed Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act expands on this by directing “various departments to assess whether political developments in Hong Kong justify changing Hong Kong’s unique treatment under US law.” It requires the State Department to annually certify and report to Congress whether Hong Kong’s status of autonomy, and the government’s adherence to protecting civil liberties, and upholding of the rule of law justify its continued special status. Additionally, the Commerce Department will submit an annual report to Congress that determines if China is exploiting Hong Kong to circumvent US sanctions and export controls. This important bill also ensures that violators of human rights in Hong Kong are held accountable by applying sanctions and banning any entry to the US. Moreover, it provides protections for nonviolent protestors who have been arrested for defending human rights or the rule of law in Hong Kong by prohibiting US visa denial.

The final version of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act must include all of these requirements and it must be passed into law.

I recently signed a letter to Congress calling for its passage. The United States has a clear moral and economic interest in preserving the autonomy and freedoms allotted to the people of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will send an important signal that the United States will act to protect the rights of the people of Hong Kong – and will continue to be a leading advocate for freedom in the world.
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Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) is a former Georgia Congressman and Speaker of the U.S. House. He co-authored and was the chief architect of the "Contract with America" and a major leader in the Republican victory in the 1994 congressional elections. He is noted speaker and writer. This commentary was shared via Gingrich Productions.

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