The United States has denounced Hong Kong’s new national security law as a threat to free speech and dissent, but has not taken significant action against it. While some visa restrictions have been imposed on Hong Kong officials, the response from Washington has been relatively muted compared to previous actions taken in response to Chinese interference. Analysts believe the Biden administration may be hesitant to escalate tensions with China, especially during an election year, and doubt that punitive measures would bring about meaningful change.
The language of the new security law is vague and its interpretation could have far-reaching consequences for Hong Kong, potentially eroding its status as a safe haven for international business. The White House is interested in preserving the fragile U.S.-China relationship, which has only just begun to stabilize. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the new legislation during a phone call in April, with Xi defending the law as a measure to safeguard national security and protect the interests of global investors.
In Congress, bills to strip Hong Kong’s trade offices of diplomatic privileges and to sanction city officials for undermining civil freedoms have not made significant progress. Advocacy groups are calling on the Biden administration to take a stronger stance against Beijing’s aggression and support dissidents seeking refuge in the U.S. Some believe that action by the private sector, such as American companies scaling back operations in Hong Kong, may have a greater impact than government measures in influencing Chinese policy towards the territory.
Concerns have been raised about the upcoming trial of Jimmy Lai, a prominent publisher in Hong Kong facing charges related to national security. If Lai is sentenced to a lengthy prison term, it could prompt a stronger response from the U.S. government. Overall, there is a sense of disappointment among activists and advocacy groups regarding the U.S. government’s response to the new security law, with calls for more concrete action to protect the freedoms of Hong Kong residents and hold officials accountable for crackdowns on dissent.
