A new bill threatens to close Hong Kong offices in the US, sparking concerns over China’s influence on American soil.
Senators Target Hong Kong Offices in the US
On January 15, a bipartisan group of US senators introduced a bill to close three Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) located in Washington, New York, and San Francisco.
These offices have been accused of acting as proxies for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), following human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Beijing’s increased control over the city. The bill aims to revoke diplomatic privileges if the US State Department determines Hong Kong has lost autonomy.
The bill’s reintroduction comes after a similar proposal passed the House in a previous session but stalled in the Senate. The offices, originally established to promote Hong Kong’s economic interests, are now seen as tools of CCP propaganda and surveillance. This move reflects growing bipartisan concern over China’s influence and aligns with ongoing US scrutiny of Hong Kong’s status following the 2019 protests and the imposition of the national security law.
There isn’t a person alive who isn’t susceptible to Communist China’s scams and attempts to undermine our financial and national security.
Today, Chairman @SenRickScott sounded the alarm on how this impacts seniors and his leadership to stop it ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nrx62Meicr
— Senate Aging Committee (@SenateAging) January 14, 2026
Historical Context and Diplomatic Implications
HKETOs were intended to symbolize Hong Kong’s prosperity under the “one country, two systems” framework. However, the 2019 pro-democracy protests and subsequent US sanctions, including the Hong Kong Autonomy Act under President Trump, have eroded Hong Kong’s special status.
Beijing’s national security law further solidified control, leading to the arrests of activists and the US revocation of Hong Kong’s special trade status. The bill seeks to amend the State Department’s annual Hong Kong autonomy review, demanding presidential justification for retaining HKETO privileges.
China has condemned the bill as “blatant interference,” threatening “forceful countermeasures.” This highlights the ongoing tensions in US-China relations, where Hong Kong serves as a significant flashpoint. The bipartisan support for the bill underscores a shift in US policy, emphasizing human rights and democracy over past economic engagements.
.@SenDanSullivan: "#HongKong’s autonomy is dead … it makes zero sense for Hong Kong to have its own diplomatic posts in the U.S."
Thank you, @SenDanSullivan, for cosponsoring the #HKETO Certification Act and recognizing the need to hold #Beijing to account. pic.twitter.com/fjfzCPpYyM
— The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation (@thecfhk) January 16, 2026
Potential Impacts and Reactions
The bill’s passage could spark a diplomatic row, with potential Chinese retaliation affecting HK-US trade relations. In the long term, it could further erode Hong Kong’s international status, possibly leading to office closures and reduced economic promotion. The move reinforces the US stance on China’s human rights violations, straining already tense relations.
Senators like Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) view the HKETOs as CCP extensions and insist they no longer represent a free Hong Kong. Hong Kong expatriates in the US, accused of being surveillance targets, and US businesses reliant on Hong Kong trade links are among the affected parties. The closure could set a precedent for other global HKETOs, with implications for trade and diplomacy.
Sources:
Senators Want to Close Hong Kong Offices in US That Act as CCP Proxies
US Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Close HK Trade Offices
China Daily: US Bill on HKETOs
Hong Kong Legislation Advances in Congress