Pelosi: 'A Free, Vibrant, and Democratic Hong Kong is in the Interest of the United States'

April 15, 2004

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the Chinese government’s new interpretation of the Basic Law concerning Hong Kong’s political status:

"The Chinese government's ruling is Beijing's latest effort to rein in Hong Kong's democracy movement and undermines the very principle of 'One Country, Two Systems.' Beijing's interpretation of the Basic Law confirms our worst fears -- that it intends to deny the people of Hong Kong the right to choose their own leaders. The people of Hong Kong have bravely demonstrated their support for democracy by taking to the streets last year by the hundreds of thousands and by the continued willingness of leaders to speak out in spite of being branded 'unpatriotic.'

"We stand with them in their fight for universal suffrage. A free, vibrant, and democratic Hong Kong is in the interest of the United States and the greater world community. Beijing's action is a step backward for the people of Hong Kong, a step backward for the rule of law, and a step backward for freedom and democracy."

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