the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

“ Key Findings The United States continues to have deep economic and cultural interests in Hong Kong. Cooperation between the U.S. government (USG) and the Hong Kong government remains broad and effective in many areas, providing significant benefits to the U.S. economy and homeland security. During the period covered by this report, the Chinese mainland central government implemented or instigated a number of actions that appeared inconsistent with China’s commitments in the Basic Law, and in the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, to allow Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of autonomy. ”

“ Freedom of expression of members of the press and other media was generally respected, allowing for lively public political discourse, although journalists assessed media outlets practiced a degree of self-censorship for commercial and/or political reasons. A significant number of media outlets are now owned by companies with business interests on the mainland or whose major shareholders are members of the Chinese communist party. Reporters Without Borders ranked Hong Kong in 70th place in its world press freedom index for 2018. ”

“ The Hong Kong Monetary Authority set monetary policy autonomously from the People’s Bank of China. Hong Kong was not subject to the mainland cybersecurity law, and persons in Hong Kong could access internet content not available in the mainland, including content offered by U.S. media and technology firms. Hong Kong maintained customs, immigration, and law enforcement authorities distinct from those of the mainland central government, whose agents were not authorized to operate in Hong Kong except in specified instances discussed later in this report. ”