Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hong Kong China topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Secretary warns Hong Kong's autonomy has eroded, cites Hutchison Ports and Panama Canal example
Summary
In the same exchange, the unnamed Secretary said Hong Kong no longer provides a shield from Chinese government influence, using Hutchison Ports and a delayed Panama Canal facility sale as evidence that Beijing can control Hong Kong-based firms.
In response to a question about Taiwan and Hong Kong, Speaker 2 (the Secretary, unnamed) told an unnamed member of Congress that Hong Kong has effectively lost its former autonomy and is subject to Chinese government influence. He used a commercial example to make the point: when Hutchison Ports, a company headquartered in Hong Kong, attempted to sell two main Panama Canal facilities, Chinese authorities exerted pressure that slowed the deal, he said.
"So how can it be if this company is an independent Hong Kong company?" the Secretary asked rhetorically, and answered: the company is under Chinese control and influence, he said. "It is sadly, tragically, and unfortunately, fully under the control...of authorities in Beijing," he added.
An unnamed member of Congress expressed concern that Hong Kong had lost elements of press freedom and civil liberties that previously distinguished it. The Secretary framed the loss of autonomy as a national-security concern and said Hong Kong should not be used to evade sanctions or restrictions.
No formal policy action or vote resulted from the exchange. The conversation closed with mutual thanks and the member yielding the floor.
