[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. Talent, and Mr. Allen):
  S.J. Res. 33. A joint resolution expressing support for freedom in 
Hong Kong; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, today I introduce, along with my 
colleagues Senator Talent and Senator Allen, an important resolution 
regarding recent developments in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been a great 
friend of the United States, a key ally in the war on terrorism and an 
invaluable trading partner. In recent weeks, however, it has become 
increasingly clear that Beijing will stand in the way of Hong Kong's 
development into a full democracy. Such actions compel support from the 
members of this body.
  The Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 sets forth the guidelines for the 
U.S. relationship with Hong Kong. It provides for a very special and 
distinct relationship with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, 
even as we recognize the Hong Kong is a part of China. This special 
relationship rests on the notion that Hong Kong will be governed 
differently than the rest of China.
  Unfortunately, Beijing continues to suggest that it has no intention 
of realizing Hong Kong's democratic potential. Recent decisions by the 
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress push direct 
election of Hong Kong's Chief Executive into the future. Hong Kong's 
Legislative Counsel faces a similar fate. Some observers even suggest 
Beijing will wait another 30 or 40 years to allow universal suffrage in 
the selection of executive and legislative office holders to become a 
reality. By then, the 50 year special arrangement will be near 
expiration, threatening everything the people of Hong Kong have 
achieved.
  I traveled to Hong Kong in January. My Subcommittee on East Asia and 
Pacific Affairs held a hearing last month where we heard testimony from 
Hong Kong's leading democracy advocates. A clear message emerges from 
everyone with whom I have spoken on this issue: Hong Kong is ready for 
full democracy. The people have demonstrated the ability to create a 
vibrant society and they deserve universal suffrage and the ability to 
participate fully in the functions of government.
  The resolution I submit today is simple. It recognizes the recent 
report from the State Department dealing with the U.S.-Hong Kong 
relationship. It highlights Hong Kong's autonomy as envisioned by the 
Hong Kong Policy Act, and it highlights the unfortunate steps taken in 
Beijing to frustrate Hong Kong's democratic development. As the 
resolution says, Congress ought to declare ``that the people of Hong 
Kong should be free to determine the pace and scope of constitutional 
developments'' and that anything less violates the vision of democracy 
set forth in the 1984 Joint Declaration signed by Great Britain and the 
People's Republic of China.
  When Martin Lee came to testify about the importance of democratic 
development in March, Beijing referred to him as a dreamer. They meant 
it as an insult, but Mr. Lee embraces the label as he looks to a future 
of freedom in Hong Kong. This body can make a powerful statement of 
support for Martin Lee's democratic dreams by passing this resolution, 
and I hope they will move quickly to do so.

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