Some dissidents in Hong Kong have been denied the right to run for the Legislative Council election. The government ordered election officers to go outside their power, and that 5 candidates had been disqualified arbitrarily. They had to either pledge that their democratic aspirations are predicated on submission to Beijing's authority or face disqualification.
In February, the UK declared a breach of the Joint Declaration over the involuntary removal of booksellers. Today's event again highlights the series of issues that has compounded Hong Kong people's fears.
The US has longstanding interests in Hong Kong's continued autonomy; protection of civil liberties and respect for the rule of law.
We call on the White House to carry out an urgent review of policies toward Hong Kong.