SAR party calls for US Congress not to interfere

Hong Kong's largest political party in legislature said that the attempt by the US Congress to interfere in China's internal affairs with the proposed Human Rights and Democracy Act is not only "inappropriate" but also against accepted international practices.

The message was conveyed by members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the largest political party in the city's legislature, to the United States consul general to Hong Kong and Macao, Hanscom Smith, in a meeting on Tuesday.

Alliance Chairwoman Starry Lee Wai-king told reporters after the meeting that some US politicians have overreacted to Hong Kong's situation in supporting the proposed act. It calls for an annual assessment of Hong Kong's autonomy with the threat to impose restrictions if the results are found to be unfavorable.

Such restrictions may include suspension of Hong Kong's special trade and economic status with the US under the Hong Kong Policy Act.

Lee said the act constitutes meddling in the affairs of other nations using a domestic law. It contravenes common rules of the international community, Lee said.

The proposed act aims to pressure both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the central government, which could lead to escalation of the tension between China and the US to the detriment of both countries and the rest of the world, according to the alliance's vice-chairman, Holden Chow Ho-ding, who is also a legislator.

Lee said it is logical to assume that the central government would take countermeasures if the bill is passed. That, she said, would be harmful to people from both countries.

Smith said he would convey the alliance's message to Congress and the rest of the US government, Lee said.

Earlier this month, the Foreign Ministry urged Congress to immediately stop work on the bill.

China deplores and firmly opposes the proposed Hong Kong legislation as wantonly criticizing Hong Kong affairs and grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, the Foreign Ministry said.

On Sept 8, black-clad protesters marched from Charter Garden in Central district to the US consulate in Hong Kong, calling on the US to "intervene in the crisis".

The procession ended in chaos as a group of radical protesters vandalized MTR subway stations, smashing windows and setting fires at an exit and on the main road.