U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the Chinese government for encroaching on Hong Kong's independence.
The 2023 Hong Kong Policy Act Report, published by the U.S. State Department, highlights the Chinese government's repeated erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and independence from Chinese laws.
"The PRC (People's Republic of China) is eroding judicial independence and the rule of law in Hong Kong, once core to the city’s reputation and success," Blinken said in a March 31 Twitter post. "This year’s Hong Kong Policy Act Report, released today, catalogs the ongoing crackdown on civil society, media and dissenting voices in Hong Kong."
According to the report, China has further consolidated its control over Hong Kong's political and legal systems through means such as the implementation of the National Security Law, which has led to the arrest and prosecution of Hong Kong citizens for the peaceful expression of their views.
The report also mentions concerns regarding the state of Hong Kong media, including the shuttering of pro-democracy media outlets and the arrest of journalists. It notes the Chinese government's interference in Hong Kong's education system and the disqualification of pro-democracy lawmakers from the city's legislature have continued to limit Hong Kong's political freedom.
"Hong Kong authorities continued to arrest and prosecute people for peaceful political expression critical of the local and central governments, including for posting and forwarding social media posts," the report said. "While Internet access remained widespread and generally open, local authorities criminally charged people engaged in online political speech."
Hong Kong's changing political status is and has remained a critical issue for the international community, as it holds massive implications for global governance and the future of democracy in the region, according to a statement from the State Department. There is a continued call for international attention and support for Hong Kong's citizens as they fight for democracy and full freedom from China.
