Washington, DC – Like many around the world, we are alarmed by recent events in Hong Kong. On Tuesday, China passed a law that will reduce the number of democratically elected members of Hong Kong’s legislature, from 35 of 70 total members, to just 20 of 90 total members. The rest of the legislature will be chosen by pro-Beijing business groups and a government-appointed election committee. Then today, seven of Hong Kong’s most well-known pro-democracy leaders were convicted for organizing and participating in an unauthorized march.
Together, these events continue to accelerate the demolition of democracy in Hong Kong. All those around the world who champion democratic freedoms must stand in opposition to the creeping authoritarianism China is now imposing on Hong Kong.
Democracy is the cornerstone of our American existence. For generations, Americans have supported those striving for the freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and the right to elect and hold accountable political leaders. As President Biden said in his introduction to the Interim National Security Strategy:
“I firmly believe that democracy holds the key to freedom, prosperity, peace, and dignity. We must now demonstrate — with a clarity that dispels any doubt — that democracy can still deliver for our people and for people around the world. We must prove that our model isn’t a relic of history; it’s the single best way to realize the promise of our future.”
“We unequivocally support the people of Hong Kong,” said Foreign Policy for America’s Executive Director Andrew Albertson. “Democratic rights aren’t just something we hold dear as Americans. They’re universal, and we have tremendous respect and admiration for those working courageously to defend Hong Kong’s democratic tradition.”
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