Bipartisan bill aims to solidify Hong Kong’s independence

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill that aims to help Hong Kong’s democracy.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) led the bicameral effort of introducing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.

{mosads}“Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms — essential to its relations with the U.S. — are under threat from China,” Brown said Thursday. “At this critical time, we must strongly support the universal rights of the people of Hong Kong, including free and fair elections in 2017 and beyond.”

Hong Kong citizens have been protesting China’s recent decision to allow only pro-Beijing candidates to run for the position of chief executive in 2017 instead of having an open election. 

The bill would require the president to certify that Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous before enacting any new laws or agreements affording Hong Kong different treatment from China. It also would require the State Department to annually report to Congress on the human rights conditions in Hong Kong.

“Our bipartisan bill would ensure that the United States can continue to monitor Hong Kong while ensuring that its democracy and freedoms remain a cornerstone of U.S. policy,” Brown said.