Pelosi Statement on China’s Passage of Sweeping Law Cracking Down on Hong Kong

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

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"Beijing's so-called ‘national security' law – passed on the eve of the 23rd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China – signals the death of the ‘one country, two systems' principle.

"The United States Congress has always spoken with one voice in defense of those oppressed by Beijing and in support of freedom, justice and real autonomy for the people of Hong Kong. We continue to urge President Trump to hold Chinese officials accountable for their abuses including in Hong Kong by deploying sanctions under the 2016 Magnitsky Act and by taking steps under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, proudly passed by Congress. We must consider all tools available, including visa limitations and economic penalties.

"The purpose of this brutal, sweeping law is to frighten, intimidate and suppress Hong Kongers who are peacefully demanding the freedoms that were promised. All freedom-loving people must come together to condemn this law, which accelerates Beijing's years-long assault on Hong Kong's political and economic freedoms. We must work together in a multilateral way to monitor the implementation of this excessive law and hold Beijing accountable for its violation of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law."