The Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), have released a statement regarding the anticipated trial of Jimmy Lai and the sentencing of pro-democracy advocates known as the "Hong Kong 47."

In their statement, they asserted that "the expected trial of Jimmy Lai and sentencing of the HK47 advocates violates international law and must be widely condemned—including by the U.S. State Department." They called for action from the Biden administration to "levy sanctions on judges and prosecutors responsible for undermining democracy and human rights in Hong Kong."

The Chairs also highlighted concerns over ongoing business engagements between U.S. CEOs and Hong Kong officials, questioning whether these interactions consider "the Hong Kong government’s mass detentions of political prisoners and regular bulldozing of the rule of law" which could impact Hong Kong's standing as an international commercial hub.

Furthermore, they addressed issues related to the suppression of dissent by the Hong Kong government, including surveillance activities conducted through institutions like the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO). The Chairs urged Congress to pass their proposed legislation, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, aimed at potentially removing diplomatic immunities from HKETOs.