[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 76 (Thursday, June 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONDEMNING THE CRACKDOWN ON DEMOCRACY PROTESTORS IN TIANANMEN SQUARE, 
 BEIJING, IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                          THAT TRAGIC MASSACRE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, on 4 June 1989, communist Chinese tanks 
rumbled into Tiananmen Square. Since that bleak day 15 years ago, when 
the communist hardliners quashed liberty under the treads of a tank, 
China has undergone many changes. Despite the liberalization that 
appears to have taken place, China remains dedicated to absolute 
control by the communist government. No where is this commitment more 
evident than in a 421 square mile economic and political haven called 
Hong Kong.
  In 1997, the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong to the People's 
Republic of China. As part of the agreement transferring sovereignty, 
China pledged to keep Hong Kong's democratic and capitalist system in 
place for 50 years. Hong Kong's Basic Law, which is based on an 
agreement between Great Britain and the PRC, guarantees freedom of 
speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom of 
assembly, and freedom of religion. Private property rights and 
protection from arbitrary or unlawful arrest, detention or imprisonment 
are also guaranteed. Residents of the Hong Kong have the right to vote 
and the right to stand for election.
  The freedoms and liberties enshrined in the Basic Law sound 
remarkably like the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy in the United 
States by virtue of the Constitution. The only difference is that no 
one in the United States is actively working to destroy the 
Constitution. Over the last few years, the honeymoon between Beijing 
and Hong Kong has ended. Beijing has tightened its grip on the region, 
and has begun to undermine the fundamental freedoms promised under the 
Basic Law. Perhaps not coincidentally, Hong Kong's economy has 
foundered in the last few years.
  When the British left Hong Kong, the Communist government reassured 
the world that nothing would be done to undermine Hong Kong. After all, 
it was argued, in their eagerness to show the world a new face, why 
would China destroy one of the premier trading and financial centers in 
the Orient. Why, indeed?
  After 7 years, we see that the Communist government has every 
intention of destroying Hong Kong. Last year Beijing proposed a law 
that would have restricted freedom of the press and the ability of 
residents to criticize the government. In response over 500,000 of Hong 
Kong's 6.8 million people demonstrated against the PRO's attempts to 
stifle democracy. The Mainland government backed off--but only 
temporarily. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has promised to 
revisit the issue.

  In April, Beijing ruled out universal suffrage for Hong Kong's chief 
executive in 2007 and the legislature in 2008. One mainland official 
said direct elections might not be possible until 2050.
  In early May, Beijing warned legislators in Hong Kong that they have 
no right to criticize the government's decision to rule out full 
democracy. Beijing also sent eight Chinese warships--two submarines, 
four frigates and two destroyers--through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor. 
Is this display of force a prelude to a Tiananmen-style crackdown? This 
provocative display of force certainly sends an ominous warning to Hong 
Kong's democrats and the rest of the world that the People's Republic 
of China will dictate policy in Hong Kong, and that dissension will be 
dealt with in a resolute manner.
  All of the PRO's actions lay bare Beijing's contempt for the rule of 
law. It is apparent that the PRC wants to rule Hong Kong like the rest 
of China--corruptly, inefficiently, heavy-handedly. Hong Kong will not 
remain the vibrant capitalist center without freedom. Politics and 
economics are inextricably tied to one another.
  China's mishandling of Hong Kong sends an unmistakable message to 
other observers around the region. If China ever hopes to entice Taiwan 
into the Chinese fold, their policies, vis-a-vis Hong Kong do not offer 
very reassuring prospects. I believe it is up to the people of Taiwan 
to decide whether or not they will be united with the Mainland; but 
Beijing's current attempts to choke democracy and capitalism in Hong 
Kong certainly do not make unification an attractive option for Taiwan.
  Beijing's current attitudes toward Hong Kong show us the real meaning 
of One China, Two Systems. As the Beijing's true definition of this 
policy becomes apparent, it is imperative that we support Taiwan's 
efforts to resist Beijing's hostile advances. It is also imperative 
that we support democracy in Hong Kong before it is too late.

                          ____________________