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On the Pan-Democratic Primary Election in Hong Kong 
3 MINUTE READ
July 15, 2020

DOS-SealU.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

For Immediate Release

July 14, 2020

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO

On the Pan-Democratic Primary Election in Hong Kong 

I warmly congratulate Hong Kong’s pan-democrats for their successful primary election.  More than 600,000 Hong Kongers cast ballots in the first territory-wide, pan-democratic primary election. Their enthusiasm clearly demonstrates their desire to make their voices heard in the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to suffocate the territory’s freedoms. 

We note with grave concern Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s threat that this primary may have violated Beijing’s new “national security” law for the territory, once again demonstrating the Chinese Communist Party’s fear of democracy and its own people’s free thinking.  We will be watching developments closely, especially as the September 6 Legislative Council elections draw closer.