Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

This bill requires the President to periodically determine whether to allow the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) to continue to operate in the United States. (The HKETOs are the official representative offices for Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city that was established as a British colony in 1841. The United Kingdom transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to China in 1997).

Under this bill, the President must periodically (at least once a year) certify to Congress a determination as to whether the HKETOs should be covered by the International Organizations Immunities Act. (The act provides immunities and privileges to certain international organizations, such as immunity from certain lawsuits and exemption from property taxes.)

If the President certifies that the HKETOs no longer merit receiving such privileges and immunities, the HKETOs must terminate operations in the United States no later than 180 days after the certification is delivered to Congress.

If the President certifies that the HKETOs continue to merit such privileges and immunities, the HKETOs may continue operations for another year, unless Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving of the certification.

The President may also revoke the application of such privileges and immunities to the HKETOs.

A federal government entity may enter into an agreement or partnership with an HKETO only if the HKETOs are still authorized to operate in the United States under this bill.

Bill 118 hr 1103, also known as the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to require the Secretary of State to certify that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the United States is not controlled by the Chinese government.

The bill aims to ensure that the HKETO operates independently and is not subject to influence or control from the Chinese government. This certification is important in light of the ongoing tensions between the United States and China, particularly regarding the situation in Hong Kong.

If passed, the Secretary of State would be required to submit an annual report to Congress certifying that the HKETO is operating independently. This report would include information on the activities and funding sources of the HKETO, as well as any attempts by the Chinese government to influence its operations. Overall, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act is a measure aimed at ensuring transparency and independence in the operations of the HKETO in the United States. It reflects concerns about Chinese influence in Hong Kong and seeks to protect the integrity of the HKETO's activities.