Lankford, Kaine Want to Keep Hong Kong’s Internet Free from CCP Suppression

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) today introduced the Safeguarding Internet Freedom in Hong Kong Act. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has implemented a “national security law” that violates the basic freedoms of Hongkongers, including the freedom to peacefully assemble and the right to freely access and share information online. The bill supports firewall circumvention infrastructure in Hong Kong to strengthen the ability of the people to share information online.

“The US should not turn a blind eye to the people of Hong Kong as Beijing suppresses their access to the outside world,” Lankford said. ”Firewall circumvention technology safeguards the basic freedoms of Hongkongers and affirms our commitment to proudly stand with the people of Hong Kong. China promised Hong Kong autonomy, but they are quickly eroding their freedom. We should stand up for the rights of all free people as they push back against repressive communism.”

“Internet freedom is critical for the people of Hong Kong to access and share information, but the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has censored internet access as a means to crack down on dissent and restrict freedom of expression,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan bill would boost US resources to advance internet freedom in Hong Kong so that people can access the internet and share information without restrictions or fear of censorship. It also emphasizes the important message that we will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong in the face of the CCP’s efforts to revoke essential freedoms.”

Lankford remains a strong advocate for the free people of Hong Kong and continues to call out the Chinese government for its abusive and aggressive posturing around the world. Earlier this year, Lankford and Kaine joined their colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning Beijing’s destruction of Hong Kong’s democracy and rule of law in addition to its political persecution of Jimmy Lai and other pro-democracy advocates. Lankford also stood up for Hongkongers who want to seek safety from Chinese retaliation by introducing Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act.

###