The House passed a resolution on Monday to formally condemn the Chinese government and the Hong Kong regional government for actions that “violate the rights and freedoms” of the region’s citizens.
Lawmakers adopted the resolution by a 418-1 vote that calls on the Chinese government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to release pro-democracy activists and politicians arrested under the national security law enacted last year that reduces the city’s autonomy and imposes harsh punishments for protesters.
“By passing this resolution, the House sends a strong bipartisan message demanding that the Chinese and Hong Kong governments respect the will of the people of Hong Kong. We will continue to push for democracy and respect for human rights in Hong Kong. We will continue to demonstrate that we stand in solidarity with the pro-democracy figures and activists who have made tremendous sacrifices for their city and for their core human rights,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.).
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was the lone lawmaker to vote against the resolution.
Former President Trump signed legislation into law last year that imposed sanctions on individuals responsible for violating human rights in Hong Kong as well as entities that materially contribute to the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Monday’s vote came days after a Hong Kong court sentenced several pro-democracy activists to prison on charges of unauthorized assembly. Among the activists sentenced was Jimmy Lai, a media tycoon whose company publishes a newspaper that is openly critical of the Chinese regime.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) condemned the prison sentences during a Senate floor speech earlier Monday.
“To the global business and government leaders who haven’t yet spoken out, I hope you are watching closely. If Beijing feels comfortable treating Hong Kongers this way, just think how little regard the [Chinese government] will show for basic international norms,” McConnell said.