Wednesday, July 1, 2020

U.S. reacts to the Hong Kong version of National Security Act on the first day of promulgation

Reporter : Luo Tingting
Editor : Wen Hui
Publisher : New Tang Dynasty Television
Direct translation

Image : On the first day of the introduction of the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law, the White House issued a statement vowing to take strong action to "strike those who stifle Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy." The picture shows that on July 1, Hong Kong people took to the streets to protest the National Security Law. (Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images)

On the first day of the introduction of the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law, the White House issued a statement that strongly condemned the CCP’s violation of international commitments and vowed to take strong actions to "strike those who stifle Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy." ". Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, also issued a statement calling on President Trump to use all tools to sanction Chinese Communist Party officials who oppress Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the Communist Party of China hurriedly passed the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law on the morning of June 30, and it came into effect at 11 pm local time. The bill specifies four crimes including the crime of separatism, the crime of subverting the state power, the crime of terrorist activities, and the crime of colluding with foreign or foreign forces to endanger national security.

Pelosi issued a statement on July 1 stating that Beijing chose to pass the National Security Law of the Minato City on the eve of the 23rd anniversary of the transfer of Hong Kong's sovereignty, showing that "one country, two systems" is dead.

The purpose of Beijing’s passage of the bill is to expand the right to suppress Hong Kong’s freedom of protest and expression, and to use this brutal law to deter, intimidate and oppress the people of Hong Kong who demand peace for freedom.

She called on all freedom-loving people to condemn Beijing for passing a law that accelerates the erosion of Hong Kong's political and economic freedom.

Pelosi also once again urged President Trump to use the Magnitsky Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act to hold accountable and sanction Chinese Communist Party officials who violated Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy. .

"We must consider all available tools, including visa restrictions and economic sanctions." Pelosi emphasized.

John Ullyot, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said in a statement: "Beijing passed the National Security Law in violation of its commitments made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration." "The United States will Continue to take strong action against those who stifle Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy."

Uliot said, "Since Beijing now treats Hong Kong with "one country, one system", so must the United States. We urge Beijing to immediately reverse its direction."

Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen tweeted: "Those who stifle Hong Kong’s freedom, democracy and human rights must be held accountable. House Speaker Pelosi should immediately convene the Hong Kong Accountability Act (Also known as the Hong Kong Autonomy Law) to vote and the Senate unanimously passed this bill last week."

Republican Senator Tom Cotton also tweeted that Xi Jinping and his Communist mob must face the severe consequences of undermining Hong Kong’s freedom.

He said that the US government should consider all options and refuse Beijing to benefit from the special financial and economic status of Hong Kong (given by the US).

Democrat Jim McGovern, chairman of the United States Congress and the Executive Committee on China Issues (CECC), tweeted that the Minzu District National Security Law has allowed the CCP’s secret police to suppress the people of Hong Kong. He called on the US and the international community to take strong measures to assist the people of Hong Kong and hold the Chinese government accountable.

McGovern believes that for those who are forced to flee Hong Kong, the US executive and legislative departments should support the establishment of avenues for seeking refuge for them. Congress should also pass laws to stop the export of defense and security equipment to Hong Kong.

Republican Senator Rick Scott said in a tweet that the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law allows the CCP to further suppress demonstrations and dissidents in Hong Kong, but he emphasized that the United States will not betray the brave soldiers who pursue democracy and will continue to be Oppressed people vocalize.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley pointed out in a tweet that Beijing’s implementation of anti-democratic national security laws will be a sad day for Hong Kong and the world. He said the question to ask now is whether Beijing will use the new law as an excuse to imprison pan-popular leaders.

Hawley said: "The United States must remain vigilant and be prepared to take further sanctions."

The day before the passage of the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law, the US Department of Commerce announced on June 29 that it would revoke the special status of Hong Kong and suspend the implementation of preferential treatment rules for Hong Kong, including the provision of export license exemptions.

On the same day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement saying that Beijing’s actions prevented the United States from distinguishing Hong Kong from mainland China and stopped exporting controlled defense equipment to Hong Kong as of today.

Pompeo also announced on June 26 that it would impose visa restrictions on former and current CCP officials who violated Hong Kong's autonomy.

On July 1, the people of Hong Kong took to the streets to protest against the threat and intimidation of the National Security Law. Many Hong Kong people said that the passage of the National Security Law has strengthened their confidence in "taking back Hong Kong."

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