

Hong Kong*
The people of Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, have traditionally enjoyed substantial civil liberties and the rule of law under their local constitution, the Basic Law. However, the chief executive and half of the Legislative Council (Legco) are chosen through indirect electoral systems that favor pro-Beijing interests, and the territory’s freedoms and autonomy have come under threat in recent years due to growing political and economic pressure from the mainland.

Freedom in the World — Hong Kong Report
Hong Kong is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2022, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

Countries in the Spotlight
Freedom in the World's Countries in the Spotlight features countries that experienced important developments in 2019 that affected their democratic trajectory, and deserve special scrutiny in 2020. In Hong Kong, sustained demonstrations against meddling by Beijing were met with police violence, but undeterred voters expressed overwhelming support for prodemocracy candidates in local elections. View the full Freedom in the World report to learn about the other Countries in the Spotlight.

Recommendations for Policymakers: Democratic Crisis in Hong Kong
The United States and other democracies must take strong, immediate action to stand with the people of Hong Kong in their defense of democratic values.
News & Perspectives:
The Impact of the National Security Law on Media and Internet Freedom in Hong Kong
Testimony and remarks
October 19, 2021
How Beijing Has Dismantled Freedom of Expression in Hong Kong in Just One Year
Perspectives
June 30, 2021
Hong Kong: Freedom House Condemns Arrests, Raid on Apple Daily Newspaper
Press release
June 17, 2021
* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.