Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Speak Out on Hong Kong

Letter

The Honorable Barack Obama
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

We write to you regarding the United States' policy towards Hong Kong.

As democratically elected members of the United States Senate, we strongly support the Hong Kong people's aspiration for universal suffrage and full democracy. Hong Kong's economic prosperity and position as Asia's "world city" is rooted in fundamental rights, including freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and the press.

The people of Hong Kong should be applauded and supported for their remarkable courage and determination despite extraordinarily challenging circumstances in recent days. The "Umbrella Movement" has shown the world the inspirational power of free expression in defense of the basic right to choose one's leaders freely. In the wake of the Chinese Communist Party's public threats and the recent physical attacks against peaceful demonstrators, we encourage you to speak out personally in support of the Hong Kong people's democratic aspirations.

The United States and Hong Kong have enjoyed a strong relationship with close cultural, economic, and financial ties for over two centuries. We believe that at this critical time it is appropriate and necessary for the United States to help advance universal suffrage, full democracy, and the rule of law in Hong Kong:

This December marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which stipulated that Hong Kong would be governed by "One Country, Two Systems" until at least 2047. At the request of the People's Republic of China and the United Kingdom, the United States expressed support for the Joint Declaration as an instrument of international law.

The United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 [P.L. 102-383] states that it is United States policy to help preserve Hong Kong's unique status and to support democratization in Hong Kong. As you know, the Act also authorizes you to suspend trade and economic provisions should Beijing not provide sufficient autonomy for Hong Kong as outlined by the Joint Declaration.

Beijing's backsliding on its commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration poses a significant threat to Hong Kong's position as a center of international trade and finance and adds to concerns about China's commitment as a responsible participant in the international system. Over the past week, the people of Hong Kong have reminded the world what is at stake. We urge you and your administration to take demonstrable, meaningful steps to help ensure that Beijing maintains its commitments to the people of Hong Kong.

Sincerely,