Rubio, CECC Commissioners Question Whether HSBC is Undermining Democratic Freedoms in Hong Kong

Press Release

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined bipartisan and bicameral members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) in sending a letter to HSBC, a British multinational investment bank and financial services company, inquiring specifically about the freezing of accounts of Hong Kong media and civil society groups, as well as restrictions placed on the accounts of American citizens at HSBC branches located in the United States.

The Commissioners also asked HSBC whether its business practices contribute to the "inability of the people of Hong Kong (a) to enjoy freedom of assembly, speech, press, or independent rule of law; or (b) to participate in democratic outcomes," as stipulated under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020 (Public Law No. 116-149). Under this legislation, financial and other sanctions can be levied on any individual or entity complicit in undermining human rights and democracy in Hong Kong.

Rubio is a Ranking Member of the CECC and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

For a full list of cosigners, click here.

Source