U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a written statement on November 12 strongly condemning the Chinese government’s disqualification of pan-democratic members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and saying that the United States will pursue those who undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedom.
The following is a translation of the full text of Secretary Pompeo’s statement.
Beijing’s fierce attacks on Hong Kong’s freedom continue. The United States strongly condemns the 11 November “patriotic” resolution of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, which disqualifies four members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council who exercise their functions as members of the legislature. The resolution trampled on the right of the people of Hong Kong to choose their own democratically elected representatives, as guaranteed by the Basic Law, and further exposed Beijing’s blatant disregard for its international commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a treaty registered with the United Nations. Beijing has eliminated nearly all of the autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong, neutering the democratic process and legal traditions that have been the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity. Once again, the Chinese Communist Party has used its distorted vision of patriotism as an excuse to stifle calls for freedom and democracy.
The United States will continue to work with our allies and partners around the world to advocate for the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong and to point out Beijing’s shameful failure to keep its promises. We will hold those responsible for these actions and policies that erode Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedom accountable. We stand with the disqualified pan-democratic legislators, the pro-democracy legislators who resigned in protest, and the people of Hong Kong.
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