Gillibrand Calls on Trump Administration to Stand With the People of Hong Kong, Send a Clear Message That The United States Supports Their Fundamental Human Rights

Statement

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, today urged President Trump to uphold fundamental human rights by taking a strong stand in calling on the Chinese government to address Hong Kong's calls for democracy and justice. She also called on the Trump administration to review U.S. exports of crowd control tools in order to ensure they are not abused by the Chinese government to harm human rights in Hong Kong. Gillibrand's push comes as Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom continue to be under assault by the Chinese government and Communist Party.

"The United States should stand unequivocally with our allies in Canada and the European Union in pressing the government in Beijing on these issues," Senator Gillibrand wrote. "This is an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate leadership in a number of ways. First, as the Chinese delegation attends the United Nations General Assembly meetings, they must hear unequivocally from the U.S. as well as our allies that respect for democracy in Hong Kong is a test of China's global standing. Second, you must ensure that your administration closely examines the U.S. exports of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong that has reportedly been used to quell protests, potentially banning such exports where they are used to commit human rights abuses."

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