HONG KONG (AP) — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that could potentially close Hong Kong's representative offices in America, sparking strong reactions from both Hong Kong and Beijing.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act is part of a series of China-related legislative proposals under scrutiny by the House this week. The bipartisan support for these proposals reflects a consensus in Congress that actions are necessary to counter Beijing.
If approved, the measures will still need to pass the Senate and be signed by the U.S. president to become law. These actions are expected to escalate diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China, who have conflicting views on various issues, including Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development strongly condemned the bill's passage, labeling it as political slander against national security laws and human rights in the city. The Hong Kong government stated that the attack on the city was politically driven and interfered with its affairs.
China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong issued a statement warning of resolute countermeasures if the bill progresses and the offices are closed. The Foreign Ministry in Beijing criticized the act, stating that it politicizes normal trade cooperation.
The bill passed the U.S. House with overwhelming support, proposing to remove certain privileges from Hong Kong's representative offices in the U.S. if the city no longer maintains a high degree of autonomy from China.
Since the imposition of the 2020 security law by Beijing to quell anti-government protests, many pro-democracy activists have been arrested in Hong Kong. The U.S. has previously taken actions against Hong Kong, including revoking its preferential trading status and imposing sanctions on officials.
The bill is seen as a necessary step to show solidarity with the persecuted citizens of Hong Kong. It requires the U.S. secretary of state to determine if the offices deserve privileges, with termination within 180 days if deemed otherwise.
The bill has been welcomed by activists advocating for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, who see it as a response to hold the Hong Kong government accountable for human rights abuses.
Hong Kong has 14 overseas trade offices aimed at strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties. However, these offices faced scrutiny when an office manager in London was charged with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service.
