[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               FREEDOM OF THE PRESS SLIPPING IN HONG KONG

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                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am greatly concerned over the growing 
reports from Hong Kong that freedom of the press is increasingly at 
risk under Chinese rule. When Hong Kong was turned over to China in 
July of 1997, it was to become one country but remain two systems. 
Unfortunately, after less than two and a half years, we are already 
seeing example after example of Beijing's power and its communist 
values being exhibited throughout Hong Kong and imposed on the 
citizenry.
  The most recent example of this clampdown was the abrupt reassignment 
of the well-respected, outspoken director of the government owned 
Radio/Television Hong Kong, Cheung Man-yee last month. Ms. Cheung was 
named economic and trade representative to Japan, a post equivalent to 
that of ambassador. This action took place just days after she drew a 
rare public rebuke from the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister, Qian Qichen. 
Recently, the station had also aired a senior Taiwanese official 
seeking to explain President Lee Teng-hui's shift in policy toward 
China.
  The Hong Kong government is becoming increasingly critical of all 
local media. Statements from the chief of executive of Hong Kong, Tung 
Chee-hwa such as ``while is freedom of speech is important, it is also 
important for government policies to be positively presented,'' show 
the direction in which freedom of the press is headed.
  This ``reassignment'' of a qualified journalist is a scary first 
step. The international community must stand up and take notice when 
the slipping away of a vital freedom begins. The freedom of the press 
is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. If Hong Kong loses its free 
press, I have great fear for what is next.

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