Lecture Notes: Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

Key Points Discussed

• US Senate Bill

  • The US Senate passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
  • The bill requires an annual assessment of Hong Kong's status as a US trading partner.
  • It includes provisions to impose sanctions on individuals undermining Hong Kong's autonomy.

• Reactions to the Bill

  • Hong Kong Government: Labeled the bill as unnecessary and unwarranted.
  • China: Condemned the bill, threatening retaliation if enacted into law.

• Current Situation in Hong Kong

  • Protests have become increasingly violent.
  • Protesters have used bows, arrows, and gasoline bombs, especially during confrontations at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

• Legislative Process

  • The bill passed unanimously in the Senate.
  • The House of Representatives passed its version in October.
  • Both chambers need to reconcile their versions before sending it to President Trump.
  • The White House has not disclosed whether President Trump will sign the bill.

• Additional Legislation

  • The Senate also passed a bill banning exports of certain items to Hong Kong police, including rubber bullets, stun guns, and pepper spray.

Discussion Points

• The complexity and implications of not supplying riot control equipment to Hong Kong police.
• Challenges in defining radical political ideologies related to Hong Kong's autonomy.
• Mention of the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement as a potential example of radical political ideology.

Questions Raised

• How should the autonomy of Hong Kong be defended against Chinese efforts to undermine it?
• What constitutes a radical political ideology in the context of Hong Kong's situation?
• The potential impact of US legislation on Hong Kong and US-China relations.