Bill > HRes130

This Resolution condemns the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government for violating the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, which are guaranteed by the Joint Declaration, an international agreement between the UK and PRC that promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and unchanged systems for at least 50 years. The resolution specifically criticizes the imposition of a national security law in 2020, passed by the PRC's National People's Congress Standing Committee without public consultation and bypassing Hong Kong's local government, which grants Beijing broad powers to punish acts like separatism and subversion. It highlights various actions taken by the HKSAR government, including disqualifying pro-democracy candidates from elections, issuing arrest warrants for activists abroad, removing lawmakers from office, and imprisoning activists and individuals attempting to flee Hong Kong, all under the umbrella of the national security law. The resolution reaffirms support for the people of Hong Kong, calls for the release of arrested pro-democracy activists, urges respect for the Joint Declaration and Hong Kong's judicial independence, and encourages the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of the Treasury to work with allies to protect Hong Kong residents, explore international legal avenues, advocate for a UN human rights monitor, inform businesses of risks, and continue implementing sanctions against responsible officials, emphasizing multilateral coordination.