Bill > HR2661

This bill establishes a new certification process for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in the United States, requiring the Secretary of State to determine every year whether these offices merit continued privileges and exemptions based on Hong Kong's autonomy from China. If the Secretary determines that Hong Kong no longer maintains a high degree of autonomy, the HKETOs must cease operations within 180 days. The bill also limits U.S. government entities from entering into agreements with HKETOs unless specific conditions are met, including ensuring that such partnerships do not promote propaganda that portrays the Chinese or Hong Kong governments as protecting human rights or rule of law. Additionally, the bill establishes U.S. policy to actively discourage propaganda that misrepresents Hong Kong's status and to engage with Hong Kong's government to seek the release of political prisoners, restoration of free press and elections, and an independent judiciary. The legislation is a response to concerns about China's increasing control over Hong Kong and aims to pressure the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to respect the region's promised autonomy and democratic freedoms, as originally guaranteed by the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2661/all-info