John Edward Porter

“ Speaker, Hong Kong is the world's best example of the prosperity that results from a strong and vibrant free enterprise system existing under the rule of law. China's threats to dismantle the legislature and restrict freedom of speech are not idle threats. I have no doubt that if we let Chinese threats go unchallenged, each and every threat will indeed be carried out. ”

“ Tyranny thrives on the weakness of others, and the United States has been weak in its response to Chinese behavior. Mr. Speaker, we must do everything possible to ensure that democratic advances in Hong Kong are not reversed by oppressive Chinese policies. As 1997 approaches, the United States must stand with those in Hong Kong, such as journalists opposing illegal restrictions on their free speech, who are rightly unwilling to capitulate to Beijing's efforts to strip the citizens of Hong Kong of their democratic rights and freedoms. ”