Cardin ‘deeply concerned’ over situation in Hong Kong

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said he “strongly” supports peaceful Hong Kong protesters.

“The people who have taken to the streets of Hong Kong are doing the right thing to protect their homeland and the integrity of its democracy,” Cardin said on Wednesday. “The events unfolding in Hong Kong remind us that we must work every day to protect democratic progress and defend against grave threats to civil society.”

{mosads}Earlier this week, the Obama administration urged Hong Kong authorities to “exercise restraint” amid pro-democracy protests following Beijing’s decision to restrict reforms in the territory. Currently, China allows votes on only candidates approved by the Communist Party.

“I am deeply concerned by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee’s decision to prohibit the people of Hong Kong from freely choosing their next Chief Executive,” Cardin said. “Beijing has a responsibility to exercise restraint and to adhere to its commitment to the Basic Law and avoid directly or indirectly provoking unrest.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) also expressed concern this week that police are using violence against the peaceful protesters in Hong Kong.

He said he plans to introduce legislation when the Senate returns in November that would strengthen U.S. monitoring of developments in Hong Kong by resuming the reporting requirements in the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act. 

— This article was updated at 2:40 p.m.