US lawmakers condemn Beijing’s plans to overhaul Hong Kong elections
- China prepares to implement new rules in Hong Kong that critics warn will block opposition politicians from holding elected office
- ‘Beijing’s efforts to stamp out democratic opposition in Hong Kong only [underscore] its own insecurities,’ a group of eight US lawmakers says
The comments, which come as Beijing prepares to implement new rules in Hong Kong that critics warn will block opposition politicians from holding elected office, were the latest sign of the bipartisan anger in Congress over the Chinese government’s crackdown on dissent in the city.
“Beijing’s efforts to stamp out democratic opposition in Hong Kong only [underscore] its own insecurities,” the group of eight senators and representatives said on Monday, a mix of Democrats and Republicans including Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, and Senator Ed Markey and Representative James McGovern, both of Massachusetts.
“These revisions will only continue to advance Beijing’s ever tightening grip on Hongkongers’ autonomy, basic freedoms, and fundamental human rights,” they said. “With these actions, the Chinese government is doubling down on its attempts to impose an authoritarian system on Hong Kong.”
01:55
'Patriots governing Hong Kong' supported by ex-city chief executive CY Leung
The changes to the city’s election system were formally proposed last week during the annual meeting of China’s rubber stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress. They are expected to be formally voted on during a session on March 11.