Four US congressmen hope Hong Kong resolves anti-government protest crisis without interference by Beijing, pro-establishment lawmakers say
- Regina Ip, Felix Chung and four other local politicians attend seminar in US as Hong Kong trade bill heads back to Congress
- Democratic Party’s James To says, ‘Many people in the US are watching us’
Four American congressmen have expressed hope that Hong Kong would solve its current political crisis without Beijing’s interference, according to two local pro-establishment lawmakers.
Ip said the congressmen were much concerned about the ongoing anti-government protests that have gripped the city since June.
“They hope it can be settled in a peaceful way,” Ip said. “Secondly, they hope we can solve it on our own – without interference from the central government.”
The congressmen Ip referred to were Senator Steven Daines and Representative Greg Gianforte of Montana, and representatives Hank Johnson of Georgia and Thomas Suozzi of New York.
The conference was held amid the US-China trade war and as a bill comes before the US Congress next month that could expand Washington’s scrutiny of Hong Kong.
Hongkongers have moved the whole world. Many people in the US are watching us
If passed, the bill could influence Beijing’s strategy on Hong Kong because losing the special economic status would affect investment in the mainland as well as the city.
Ip and Chung were accompanied by the Democratic Party’s James To Kun-sun, Dennis Kwok Wing-hang and Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu of the Civic Party and Ip Kin-yuen of the education sector.
The event, held from August 21 to August 24, was organised by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation.
Of the four US congressman, only Suozzi is on the bill committee for the proposed Hong Kong measure.
To, of the Democratic Party, said he believed the Hong Kong bill would be passed within two to three months.
“It will be passed and with a landslide vote,” To said. “Hongkongers have moved the whole world. Many people in the US are watching us.”
