A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.
S. Res. 98 is a non-binding Senate resolution that condemns Beijing’s and Hong Kong authorities’ actions since the 1997 handover, arguing they have eroded Hong Kong’s autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental rights. It lays out a narrative of how Hong Kong’s freedoms have deteriorated under the national security regime and the Article 23 laws, and it calls for international accountability, support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy advocates, and a shift in how the United States and other governments engage with Hong Kong and China. While it signals broad policy preferences and moral support for democracy in Hong Kong, the resolution does not itself create new law or sanctions; instead, it provides political guidance that could influence future policy decisions and diplomacy, including how tools under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act might be used.
Key Points
- 1Condemns Beijing’s national security measures and related authorities in Hong Kong (the Hong Kong national security law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and the 2024 Article 23 security measures) as well as abuses of human rights and the erosion of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
- 2Urges accountability for the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong authorities by governments that value democracy and autonomy, and supports the people of Hong Kong in exercising their fundamental rights (as reflected in the Joint Declaration, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
- 3Condemns politically motivated charges against Hong Kongers and the expansion of the security regime; calls for the Hong Kong government to drop sedition, national security, and Article 23-related charges and to release all detainees immediately, including Jimmy Lai.
- 4Expresses concern about the confiscation of Apple Daily and argues that Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center is further eroded by the suppression of regulatory, legal, and judicial independence.
- 5Encourages the United States and other governments to push for multilateral actions that treat Hong Kong as indistinguishable from mainland China in relevant voting and institutions, and urges the U.S. to use all available tools under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act to respond to PRC actions in Hong Kong.