WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), co-chairs of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group, issued the following statement in response to China’s announced plans to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong.
“Beijing’s proposed national security law threatens to erode Hong Kong’s autonomy and the freedoms that Hong Kongers cherish. Based on preliminary reports, the law could criminalize protests and other freedoms under the guise of banning terrorism and foreign interference.
“China’s plan must be met with criticism from the United States and all countries that share America’s values of freedom of expression, rule of law, and accountable government.”
Just last year, the members led a bipartisan delegation to China and traveled to Hong Kong, where they met with government officials and business leaders to discuss issues of importance within the relationship.
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