[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MARTIN LEE AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, the future Government of 
Hong Kong recently made public its specific proposals to restrict 
personal and political freedoms after the transition to Chinese 
sovereignty on July 1, 1997. Such proposals should be of great concern 
to every Member of this body because they represent the unraveling of 
the economic and political miracle that is Hong Kong. These proposals 
are especially disturbing in light of other actions by China that are 
directly aimed at dismantling the fledgling democratic institutions in 
Hong Kong, such as the dissolution of the Legislative Council and 
threats against journalists by high-ranking Chinese officials.
  In sharp contrast to these ominous signals from Beijing, Martin Lee 
continues unabated in his fight to preserve democracy and freedom in 
Hong Kong. Martin bravely perseveres despite the fact that he is 
reviled by the Government of the People's Republic of China as a 
traitor, and his public, global crusade to protect Hong Kong's way of 
life is a thorn in its side.
  Last night in the Russell Caucus Room, Martin Lee received the 1997 
Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy, along with 
praise, good wishes and pledges of support from many Senators and 
Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. This award recognizes 
the strength of Martin's character, the righteousness of his cause and 
the commitment that he brings to his mission.
  I believe that we owe it to the people of Hong Kong to meet with 
their legitimately elected representatives and give them our 
unequivocal support. Martin represents the very principles that our 
country was founded upon. More than most, Martin deserves to be heard 
at the highest level of our Government and he needs our help. He has 
heeded the call of freedom and democracy--we must not abandon him now.
  It is in this spirit that I have written a letter to President 
Clinton calling on him to meet with Martin during this visit. Such a 
meeting would send a clear message to Beijing that the United States 
cares about what happens in Hong Kong--not just because we have 
economic interests there, but because we have shared values and ideals 
with the people of Hong Kong. I urge my colleagues to join me in asking 
the President to send this message and demonstrate our support for Hong 
Kong at this historic juncture.

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