The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that could result in the closure of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in the United States. This move is expected to have significant implications for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its financial interests.
The bipartisan Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act was overwhelmingly approved on September 10, with a vote of 413 to 3. The bill requires the U.S. president to revoke certain privileges, exemptions, and immunities granted to the HKETOs if Hong Kong no longer maintains a high degree of autonomy from China.
Under this legislation, if the U.S. government determines that these three HKETOs no longer deserve these privileges, their operations will be terminated within 180 days. However, if they meet the required standards, their operations can be extended for another year until reassessment.
This bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), chairman of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.). It marks the first legislative action taken by Congress regarding Hong Kong since China implemented its National Security Ordinance Article 23 earlier this year.
Rep. Smith emphasized that this legislation is necessary to demonstrate solidarity with persecuted citizens in Hong Kong who have been subject to human rights abuses under CCP rule.
In response to widespread protests against an extradition law proposed by China in 2019, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong last year which further eroded freedoms and human rights in the region.
Before becoming law, this bill must pass through the U.S Senate and receive President Joe Biden’s signature.
The passing of this act has drawn strong reactions from both sides: Anna Kwok from The Hong Kong Democracy Council welcomed it as holding accountable those responsible for human rights abuses; meanwhile, CCP officials strongly condemned what they perceive as interference in their affairs by foreign powers.
If these HKETOs are closed down as a result of this legislation it will hinder foreign investment opportunities for Hong Kong while also limiting bases for government personnel operating within America according to Kung Shan-Son from Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research.
