On March 31, the U.S. Department of State submitted the Hong Kong Policy Act report to Congress, pursuant to section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. The report highlights conditions in Hong Kong from March 2021 through March 2022.
The report assessed that the central government of the People’s Republic of China took new actions to erode rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, in direct contravention of its obligations under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy. The U.S. Secretary of State again certifies, therefore, that Hong Kong does not warrant treatment under U.S. law in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1, 1997.
“In the past, Hong Kong thrived as an international hub because there was confidence in the city’s openness, rule of law, and high degree of autonomy. Beijing’s decision to break the promises it made to Hong Kong and the world have undermined the city’s freedoms, competitiveness, and vitality. For Hong Kong to flourish again, Beijing must honor its commitments to preserve the city’s autonomy. The United States wants Hong Kong to succeed, and stands with the people in Hong Kong,” said Consul General Hanscom Smith.
For the full report, please visit: 2022 Hong Kong Policy Act Report (Chinese version)
For Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement, please visit: Hong Kong’s Diminishing Freedoms
