Taking Action in Hong Kong is in America’s Moral and Economic Interest

More than 20 years after the British handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the high degree of autonomy and freedoms that were promised to the Hong Kong people have been suppressed and violated by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Though the extradition bill that ignited these protests has been withdrawn, the demonstrations have evolved into demands for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s resignation, an investigation into police brutality, the release of arrested demonstrators and more democratic freedom.

Indeed, public dialogue platforms for protesters to voice concerns are being organized by Lam, but concrete progress toward protecting the rights entitled to the Hong Kong people remain elusive. The Hong Kong police have even stooped to dehumanizing the protesters. Recent footage was released showing officers kicking what a senior police official described as a “yellow object”—when it was clearly a human being lying on the ground dressed in a yellow shirt.

Leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle have made strong statements condemning the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong government’s exploits—but now is the time to attach action to words.”