the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

“ Freedom of expression remains open in Hong Kong. The Special Administrative Region’s online environment remains free, although journalists assess that many media outlets practice a degree of self-censorship for both commercial and political reasons. Many media outlets are owned by companies with business interests on the Mainland. Further, as noted in the most recent Country Reports on Human Rights, certain Hong Kong and Central Government actions and statements have raised the perceived risks associated with expressing dissenting political views. ”

“ Looking specifically at goods trade, in 2017 the United States’ bilateral surplus was $32.5 billion. Hong Kong counted the United States as its second-largest goods trading partner, while Hong Kong ranked ninth-largest among U.S. goods exports destinations. In 2017, Hong Kong was the fourth-largest market for U.S. exports of consumer-oriented agricultural products, valued at $4.3 billion, representing a 10 percent growth from 2016. ”

“ During this reporting period, the political activities and statements of the Central Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong continued to exceed the range of involvement that appears to be contemplated in Article 22 of the Basic Law.
Development of Hong Kong democratic institutions: On November 7, 2016, the NPCSC issued an interpretation of Basic Law Article 104, which requires all Hong Kong government officials, when assuming office, to swear to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.” ”

“ Hong Kong ranks 23rd as a source of foreign students in the United States. During the 2016-17 academic year 7,547 Hong Kong students were studying at U.S. colleges and universities, contributing $300 million to the U.S. economy. Hong Kong hosts more than 1,600 American students each year, including American undergraduates in the Gilman Scholarship program. In 2017, ten Hong Kong residents were selected as Fulbright students and scholars, and Hong Kong hosted 11 U.S. Fulbright students and scholars and two Fulbright specialists. ”

“ For example, the Court of Final Appeals overturned jail sentences for prominent student activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, and Alex Chow, while better clarifying the distinction between civil disobedience and violent protest for sentencing purposes. ”