Summary of SRES 98: A Resolution Condemning Beijing's Actions in Hong Kong

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: SRES 98
• Title: A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.
• Status: Reported by the Committee on Foreign Relations without amendment.
• Introduced: February 26, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SRES 98 is to formally condemn the actions of the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Hong Kong government that undermine the democratic freedoms and rule of law in Hong Kong. The resolution seeks to hold accountable those responsible for the erosion of autonomy and human rights in the region.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several significant provisions:

1. Condemnation of Laws: It condemns the PRC's Hong Kong national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, highlighting their role in human rights abuses.

2. Call for Accountability: The resolution urges all democratic nations to hold the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong authorities accountable for their actions against Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms.

3. Support for Hong Kong Citizens: It expresses support for the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for fundamental rights, referencing international agreements such as:

   • The Joint Declaration (1984)
   • The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
   • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

4. Condemnation of False Charges: The resolution condemns the PRC's practice of politically motivated charges against Hong Kong residents and the expansion of the national security regime.

5. Immediate Action Request: It calls for the Hong Kong government to drop all charges related to sedition and national security, specifically mentioning the case of Jimmy Lai.

6. Concerns Over Economic Credibility: The resolution expresses concern over the state-directed theft of the media outlet Apple Daily and asserts that Hong Kong's credibility as an international business center has been compromised.

7. Multilateral Action Encouragement: It encourages the U.S. and other governments to act in multilateral institutions to recognize the lack of distinction between Hong Kong and mainland China.

8. Use of Legislative Tools: The resolution urges the U.S. government to utilize all available tools, including those authorized by the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, in response to the PRC's actions.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- The Government of the People's Republic of China
- The Hong Kong government and its legal framework
- Citizens of Hong Kong, particularly those facing legal repercussions under the national security law
- International relations involving countries that value democracy and human rights

Legislative Timeline

• February 26, 2025: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• March 27, 2025: Ordered to be reported favorably without amendment by the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• April 28, 2025: Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, including:
- James E. Risch (Primary Sponsor)
- Mitch McConnell
- Raphael Warnock
- Timothy M. Kaine
- Chris Van Hollen
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Christopher A. Coons
- Todd Young
- Bill Cassidy
- Mike Crapo
- Jeff Merkley
- Maggie Hassan
- Marsha Blackburn

This resolution serves as a significant statement from the U.S. Senate regarding the ongoing situation in Hong Kong and the broader implications for international human rights and democracy.