Chairman Christopher Cox (R-CA) of the House Policy Committee today commended the people of Hong Kong for forcing the government of China to withdraw its so-called anti-subversion legislation that posed a threat to freedom and civil liberties in Hong Kong.

Today Hong Kong's chief executive, a Beijing appointee, announced that he was withdrawing the legislation. The move carriers the tacit blessing of the Communist Party rulers in Beijing. The withdrawal follows enormous public protest in Hong Kong and around the world, as fears became widespread that the People’s Republic of China was seriously eroding the long-standing civil rights of Hong Kong citizens. The attempt to enact anti-subversion legislation came unraveled following a 500,000-strong protest march against the bill on July 1. Two cabinet-level ministers, the security and financial secretaries, resigned amid the crisis.

“In July, the citizens of Hong Kong shocked their would-be masters in Beijing,” Chairman Cox said. “It is a great day for not only Hong Kong but free people everywhere that the PRC has yielded to this overwhelming demonstration of democratic aspirations. With the full support of this Congress, the people of Hong Kong are holding steadfast, recognizing that their island of freedom must remain a beacon of hope throughout China.”

Prior to the demonstrations, on June 26, 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives approved House Resolution 277, authored by the House Policy Committee and introduced by Chairman Cox, which condemns the proposed restrictions on freedoms in Hong Kong. The resolution also urges the PRC to end its insistence on the proposed implementation of Article 23, and calls upon the PRC to leave any revisions of Hong Kong law to a democratically elected legislature.

Tung Chee-hwa, the chief executive, cancelled the government's plans to issue by the end of this month a "consultation document" asking the public's views on what provisions should be included in the proposed Article 23 legislation. Lawmakers said that the withdrawal of the bill postponed further consideration of the legislation at least until after next summer's Legislative Council elections. Pro-Beijing parties have feared that their support for Article 23 legislation could cost them seats in those elections if the bill remains the subject of controversy until then.

“Removing this legislation from parliamentary consideration is only the first step,” Chairman Cox said. “The Hong Kong Government must ensure that the freedoms enjoyed by its people are protected permanently.”

So-called Article 23 legislation would have penalized individuals and groups who display and distribute publications critical of China’s communist government. People or groups who work for change in government policy could be charged with "sedition," "subversion," and "treason," and subject to severe penalties, including life imprisonment or execution.

For more information, see House Backs Free Speech In Hong Kong.

###