US Congress introduces bipartisan resolution condemning transnational repression against Hong Kong activists

Yesterday, US Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA) and Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong governments’ transnational repression against US-based Hong Kong and other pro-democracy activists, US citizens, and scholars.

The resolution highlights the increasingly aggressive tactics employed by authorities in the PRC and Hong Kong, including the issuance of arrest warrants with HK$1 million (£101,900) bounties on a total of 19 Hong Kong activists. These individuals, now residing in the US and other countries, have been accused of violating national security laws enacted by the PRC. Activists targeted in the US include:

  • Joey Siu (US): Serves on the Executive Council of the World Liberty Congress and previously worked as a Policy Advisor at Hong Kong Watch. Also a US citizen.

  • Dennis Kwok (US): Former Hong Kong Civic Party and pro-democracy lawmaker.

  • Anna Kwok (US): Executive Director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council.

  • Frances Hui (US): Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation. 

  • Elmer Yuen (US): Businessman and political commentator.

The US has previously condemned the bounties against these individuals, and this resolution would implement stronger protections for all US-based activists. The resolution urges the US government to work closely with allies to counter the threats posed by the PRC’s extraterritorial enforcement of its repressive laws, including by: 

  • Immediately ceasing all harassment and intimidation tactics by the PRC and Hong Kong governments against individuals residing in the United States.

  • Introducing protective measures by US law enforcement agencies to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all residents, especially those targeted for pro-democracy activities.

  • Engaging in diplomatic efforts to address and counteract the PRC’s extraterritorial enforcement of its national security laws.

Following the introduction of the resolution, Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) said: 

“The United States must send a clear message: harassment and intimidation of American citizens by foreign governments will not be tolerated… The PRC’s continued attempts to silence voices within our borders is a direct affront to our democratic values and the rule of law. No foreign power should be able to reach across borders to stifle speech, suppress research or intimidate individuals for expressing their views. We must stand firm against these efforts and hold those responsible to account.”

Hong Kong Watch’s Policy Director Megan Khoo said: 

“Hong Kong Watch welcomes this bipartisan resolution and extends our gratitude to Representatives Ami Bera and Andy Barr for taking the lead in underscoring the commitment of the United States Congress to protect human rights and to stand in solidarity with Hong Kongers who advocate for fundamental freedoms in the US. 

The US must remain vigilant against all forms of transnational repression by the PRC that seek to silence Hong Kongers and other dissidents. Defending their freedoms is not just a moral obligation but a necessary stand against the PRC’s authoritarian influence worldwide.”

美國兩黨議員提案譴責中港政府跨國鎮壓香港社運人士

昨天，美國民主黨眾議員Ami Bera聯同共和黨眾議員Andy Barr提出兩黨決議案，譴責中國和香港政府跨國鎮壓居美香港及其他民運人士、美國公民和學者。

決議案強調中港當局所採用日趨挑釁的手段，包括懸紅100萬港元（101,900英鎊）通緝總共19名香港社運人士。相關人士現時住在美國及其他國家，被控違反中國頒布的國家安全法。

美國之前譴責過當局懸紅通緝相關人士，而這項決議案能為所有居美社運人士推行更有力的保護措施。決議促請美國政府與盟友緊密合作，抗衡中國在境外執行苛法所帶來的威脅，包括透過：

  • 立即停止中國和香港政府所有針對居美人士的騷擾和恐嚇手段。

  • 美國執法機構採取保護措施，保障所有居民的權利和自由，特別是因民主活動而受針對居民的權利和自由。

  • 展開外交工作，應對並抵制中國在境外執行國家安全法。

香港監察政策總監Megan Khoo表示：

「香港監察歡迎這項兩黨決議案，並感謝眾議員Ami Bera和Andy Barr帶頭強調美國國會保護人權並與在美國倡議基本自由港人站在同一陣線的承諾。

美國必須保持警惕，防止中國所有試圖壓制港人及其他異見人士聲音的跨國鎮壓形式。捍衛他們的自由不單是道義上的義務，更是抵抗中國在世界各地威權影響力的必要態度。」

NewsMegan KhooUS, us