Should the House Call For China to Honor its Commitments to Hong Kong’s Autonomy? (H. Res. 422)

What is H. Res. 422?

(Updated September 12, 2019)

This resolution urges the governments of China and Great Britain to adhere to the “one country, two systems” policy the two parties agreed to regarding Hong Kong. It focuses on three aspects of Hong Kong’s status under the agreement: that Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy; that it will enjoy executive, legislative, and independent judicial power; and the fundamental rights of Hong Kong residents would be protected.

The Chinese and British governments agreed in their Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong that Hong Kong would continue to practice a democratic, capitalist system of government for at least 50 years after being reunified with China. China's perceived  interference in Hong Kong's affairs have raised questions over whether the communist regime was abiding by the terms of the "one country, two systems" policy.

As a simple resolution, this legislation wouldn’t advance beyond the House if passed and wouldn’t be carry the force of law.

Argument in favor

When the British government handed Hong Kong over to the Chinese government, it did so after China committed to respect Hong Kong’s autonomy. China has fallen short of fulfilling those obligations, and the House is right to call them out on it.

Argument opposed

While calling on China’s government to honor the commitments to the autonomy of Hong Kong it made is a nice idea, this resolution is non-binding and wouldn’t incentivize China to follow through.

Impact

The government and people of Hong Kong; the House of Representatives; and the Chinese and British governments.

Cost of H. Res. 422

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) introduced this bill to urge the Chinese government to honor its commitment to the autonomy of Hong Kong:

“July 1st marks 20 years since the handover of Hong Kong to Mainland China and the beginning of the ‘one country, two systems’ experiment. Looking back over the last two decades, I take heart that Hong Kong has maintained a strong and independent judicial system, a professional police force, and a strong respect for freedom of expression. I’m also concerned by increasing Mainland interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, a failure to allow Hong Kong’s people to choose their leaders, and more visible attempts by current leadership to thwart the spirit and the letter of their commitment to in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law,” said Rep. Engel. “United States law deals with Hong Kong as special and distinct from Mainland China. We do so because we share common values with the people of Hong Kong, and because it’s in America’s interest. This measure articulates those interests and underscores our commitment to the people of Hong Kong in realizing the rights and freedoms promised to them twenty years ago.”

Lead cosponsor Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) added:

“The United States-Hong Kong relationship runs deep. Unfortunately, it has become abundantly clear in recent years, that China is taking systematic steps to limit and restrict the autonomy of Hong Kong and its people. I stand with my colleagues in the House, as we work together to ensure that China adheres to the ‘one country, two systems’ policy and respects the rights of our brave friends in Hong Kong.”

This legislation passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on a voice vote and has the support of five cosponsors, including three Republicans and two Democrats.

Media:

• House Foreign Affairs Committee Press Release