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Hong Kong Activists Urge US Lawmakers to Support Protesters and Stand Up to
Beijing

VOA News

   Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged U.S. lawmakers Tuesday
   to support human rights and democracy in the semiautonomous Chinese
   territory, declaring, "The stakes have never been higher."

   Wong's appeal for U.S. support came during testimony at a hearing in
   Washington before the Congressional Executive Commission on China to
   review developments in Hong Kong and China's role in the political
   crisis there.

   Wong was joined by Hong Kong celebrity activist Denise Ho, who warned
   that an erosion of the city's unique status would embolden China if the
   U.S. does not put pressure on Beijing and support U.S. legislation
   aimed at defending Hong Kongers' civil rights.

   "The U.S. and its allies have everything to fear if they wish to
   maintain a world that is free, open and civil," Ho said. "I, therefore,
   urge the U.S. Congress to stand by Hong Kong, and most of all, to pass
   the Hong Kong Human Rights Democracy Act. This is not a plea for
   so-called foreign interference. This is a plea for democracy. This is a
   plea for the freedom to choose."

   "If Hong Kong falls, it would easily become the springboard for the
   totalitarian regime of China to push its rules and priorities overseas,
   utilizing its economic powers to conform others to their communist
   values," Ho added.

   Wong told lawmakers he is sure historians will view 2019 as a turning
   point in Hong Kong's quest for human rights.

   "I hope historians will celebrate the United States Congress for having
   stood on the side of Hong Kongers, the side of human rights and
   democracy."

   Hong Kong protesters have rallied outside the U.S. consulate in an
   effort to garner international support, but U.S. President Donald
   Trump's administration has maintained a low profile on the issue.

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