The Limits of Autonomy: How Beijing Exploits Hong Kong’s Special Status

November 2025

Past Event

The Limits of Autonomy: How Beijing Exploits Hong Kong’s Special Status

Past Event

Hudson Institute

November 05, 2025

A flag raising ceremony in Hong Kong on July 1, 2025. (Getty Images)

November 2025

Past Event

Speakers:

Thomas Benson

Senior Research and Policy Advisor, Hong Kong Watch

Joey Siu

Executive Council Member, World Liberty Congress

John Dotson

Director, Global Taiwan Initiative

Thomas Kellogg

Executive Director, Georgetown Center for Asian Law

Moderator:

Listen to Event Audio

In 2019, the Chinese Communist Party cracked down on political freedom in Hong Kong and violated the special region’s autonomy. The Trump administration began rolling back America’s special treatment of Hong Kong the following year. But that process is not yet complete. Over the past five years, the CCP has opportunistically exploited Hong Kong’s unique status in international institutions and within the United States to harm the interests of America and its allies. Policymakers should align Hong Kong’s legal status with the CCP’s exploitation of the island.

Join Senior Fellow Michael Sobolik and an expert panel for a discussion about a new report from Hong Kong Watch on the state of Hong Kong and how US policymakers can close the loopholes Beijing exploits.

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