HONG KONG — California Governor embarks on his highly-anticipated visit to China, choosing the politically charged city of Hong Kong as his first stop after a detour to Israel. During his time in Hong Kong, Newsom faces warnings from fellow Democrats about the potential negative repercussions if he remains silent on Beijing’s oppressive treatment of civil rights in the region.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, stresses the importance of Newsom speaking out against the repression of the Hong Kong people, as failing to do so would imply acceptance of Chinese aggression. The trip holds significance as Newsom is a crucial representative for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, with the White House endorsing his visit.
Newsom’s agenda in Hong Kong centers around strengthening climate-related collaborations, particularly in the areas of air quality, offshore wind, and cap-and-trade. His visit aims to underscore the need for continued cooperation with China in addressing the urgent climate crisis. Newsom’s spokesperson, Erin Mellon, emphasizes the necessity of engaging with China to achieve common goals in her statement, “The climate crisis will not wait for geopolitical winds to shift, and we cannot achieve our shared goals without China.”
However, Newsom’s decision to include Hong Kong in his itinerary has drawn intense criticism from pro-democracy and human rights organizations based in the United States. Over 50 groups have issued a joint statement expressing their disapproval and accusing Newsom of sidelining human rights during his visit. They argue that his exclusive focus on climate issues could bolster the territory’s sanctioned leaders and set a concerning tone for future diplomatic engagements.
James Cunningham, former consul-general to Hong Kong and Macau and chair of the nonprofit advocacy group Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, doubts the benefits of Newsom’s visit, stating, “I don’t see any huge gain that he or the state get from his going.” Cunningham believes the visit may reinforce the perception that business is proceeding as usual and be exploited by Hong Kong authorities for their own advantage.
During his time in Hong Kong, Newsom will engage in a “fireside chat” at Hong Kong University before continuing his journey to Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. The choice of Hong Kong as a destination may seem unusual given China’s tightening control over the region, especially since many Hong Kong leaders have been subjected to U.S. sanctions for suppressing the territory’s democracy movement in recent years.
In the lead-up to Newsom’s visit, President Biden demonstrated his disapproval by stating that Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu would not be granted entry to the U.S. for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in San Francisco, departing from past practice. China experts express bewilderment over Newsom’s decision to potentially offer political cover to the special administrative region, particularly considering the absence of significant figures in Hong Kong who are not targeted by U.S. sanctions.
Newsom’s team has stressed the trip’s focus on climate-related matters, downplaying any involvement in contentious issues between the U.S. and China. Mellon emphasizes that the visit concentrates on building upon progress in encouraging China’s response to the climate crisis. However, Newsom’s schedule includes attendance at a reception hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Consulate, which will bring him in contact with climate and carbon neutrality leaders.
Although Newsom has no plans to meet with Hong Kong’s senior leadership, any unplanned encounters would provide an advantageous propaganda victory for the Hong Kong authorities, who seek to counter the negative image resulting from the territory’s extensive political prisoner population and criminalization of peaceful dissent. The situation would become especially awkward if Newsom ends up in an unanticipated photo-op with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Lee, who has been responsible for brutal police responses to pro-democracy protests.
Lawmakers and activists are urging Newsom to find a balance between pursuing climate cooperation and calling out the Hong Kong authorities for their escalating crackdown. Senator James Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recommends that Newsom push for the release of political prisoners and address the Hong Kong government’s practice of issuing bounties on dissidents living abroad.
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