[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1623-E1624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR FREEDOM IN HONG KONG

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 2004

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, the results of the elections in Hong Kong on 
September 12

[[Page E1624]]

make two things clear: The people of Hong Kong overwhelmingly support 
the pro-democracy movement, and the Chinese government has created an 
electoral system intended to ensure that that support cannot be 
translated into political control.
  In the months leading up to the election, the Chinese government 
engaged in a systematic crackdown to deny the people of Hong Kong the 
right to choose their own leaders and to suppress freedom of 
expression. In April, Beijing issued a new ``interpretation'' of Hong 
Kong's Basic Law, which serves as the territory's constitution, to 
prevent direct elections of Hong Kong's next leader in 2007 and for all 
lawmakers in 2008. As H. Res. 667 concludes, that result is 
inconsistent with international agreement, and the United States should 
take a strong position in favor of true democracy in Hong Kong.
  The United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 codified the 
understanding of the United States that Hong Kong would have a degree 
of autonomy from the People's Republic of China. After reversion, it 
was expected that this autonomy would be a catalyst for the development 
in Hong Kong of political institutions and procedures that would 
reflect the will of the people of Hong Kong, regardless of whether they 
were consistent with the views of government leaders in Beijing. The 
PRC, however, has thwarted these efforts at every turn.
  Beijing has created a climate of political fear in Hong Kong through 
well-documented intimidation of the media and efforts to challenge the 
patriotism of pro-democracy supporters. In March, three of Hong Kong's 
leading broadcasters had to resign their positions after receiving 
death threats and having their businesses vandalized because of their 
criticism of the Chinese government. Throughout the year, pro-democracy 
lawmakers and activists have also suffered threats and vandalism. Hong 
Kong's delegate to Beijing stepped down from his position saying he was 
powerless to effect change.
  The Chinese government's campaign to crack down on freedom in Hong 
Kong will only succeed in shining a spotlight on the courage and 
leadership of Hong Kong's democratic movement. The United States must 
stand solidly with the people of Hong Kong and their desire for 
democracy.
  Reminding Beijing of its obligations under previously-signed 
agreements must be our constant message. Tepid remarks by Bush 
Administration officials are not a sufficient response to protect the 
nascent democracy in Hong Kong. President Bush should not hesitate to 
define the U.S.-China relationship in terms of the willingness of the 
Chinese government to discharge the commitments contained in those 
agreements.
  U.S. policy toward Hong Kong should be consistent with the provisions 
of the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 that require autonomy and 
empower the President to halt existing agreements with Hong Kong or 
take other steps if he determines that Beijing is interfering unduly in 
Hong Kong's affairs.
  H. Res. 667 conveys that message in a clear and forceful manner, and 
deserves the support of this House.

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