WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the approval of measures by the Chinese parliament that will reduce democratic representation in Hong Kong:

"Two years ago, the people of Hong Kong stood up to ask the Chinese Communist Party to uphold their promise of one country, two systems; today's actions are the final death blow to that promise and constitute the true end of democracy in Hong Kong. This decision by the Chinese Communist Party is worthy of universal condemnation, but the true responsibility to act does not lie in the hands of democratic nations, but in the Chinese government itself. If the Chinese Communist Party cannot uphold a promise to its own people, how can they be trusted to uphold a promise to the world on climate change, global health, or any of the other major challenges we face? The burden is on them to make this right, and the United States and our allies should continue applying pressure until they do."

Yesterday in a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Kim asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken what the Biden Administration can do, "beyond just having words and coordinated statements," calling the actions by the Chinese government, "a devastating blow to the autonomy and democracy in Hong Kong." In response, Secretary Blinken pledged to, "speak with one clear voice across countries," and pointed at, "specific actions that [the United States has] taken including visa denials sanctions," as examples of action by the Biden Administration.

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Congressman is also a co-chair of the House Democratic National Security Task Force.

Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

Original source found here.