Washington DC [US], July 12 (ANI): Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCCP) have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider sanctions against Hong Kong Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming for his role in suppressing basic freedoms in the city, according to a release by the SCCCP.
In a letter released by the Committee, the lawmakers called Commissioner Chow a central figure in the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) systematic dismantling of democracy in Hong Kong and urged the State Department to investigate whether he meets the criteria for sanctions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, and Executive Order 13936.
According to the SCCCP, Chow’s tenure has been marked by an intensified crackdown on pro-democracy activists, including new charges against jailed activist Joshua Wong under the sweeping National Security Law.
“These developments paint a disturbing picture that the CCP seeks to keep Wong behind bars for life,” the letter stated.
The Committee also cited the CCP’s suppression of public mourning on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, describing how police “flooded the streets, intimidating mourners and passersby alike.” Lawmakers noted that numerous individuals were detained for simple gestures such as holding flowers, displaying electric candles, or gathering in a park.
The SCCCP pointed out that Secretary Rubio’s March 2025 sanctions against then-Hong Kong Police Commissioner Raymond Siu had sent a clear message of U.S. support for the people of Hong Kong. However, they warned that Siu’s quick retirement and replacement with Chow reflected Beijing’s intent to continue its authoritarian agenda without challenge.
“Unfortunately, CCP-directed officials in Hong Kong continue to undermine its autonomy and freedoms,” the Committee added.
The Select Committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring Beijing’s escalating repression at home and abroad.
“The United States must hold enforcers of tyranny accountable,” the letter concluded, warning that failure to act against figures like Chow would only embolden China’s authoritarian ambitions globally.
(ANI)
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