Joshua Wong Urges Tough Action By US

Demosisto secretary-general, and leading pro-democracy activist, Joshua Wong has lobbied members of the US Congress for tougher action, including possible sanctions, to counter what he says is Beijing's increasingly authoritarian approach towards Hong Kong.

Speaking during a congressional hearing in Washington DC on Tuesday, Wong called for bipartisan support for the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which could result in Hong Kong losing its special trade status if the US deems that the SAR's autonomy has been undermined.

"Hong Kong people, we stand on the forefront to confront authoritarian rule and we will confront the authoritarian crackdown," he said. "If Hong Kong falls then the next may be the free world."

"I strongly realise, now is the time for the US Congress to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and also, I hope, the US government could review its foreign policy to China to prioritise human rights issues."

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require an annual review of the special treatment Washington affords Hong Kong under the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, including trade and business privileges that do not extend to the mainland.

A number of US lawmakers have already voiced their support for the bill. They include the chairman of the US congressional-executive commission on China Jim McGovern and Senator Todd Young.

Also attending the hearing were Hong Kong Higher Education International Affairs Delegation spokesman Sunny Cheung, executive director of Human Rights in China Sharon Hom, singer-activist Denise Ho and author Dan Garrett.