Similar requests in 2013-14 ignored
The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China is asking the U.S. government to “increase support for democratic reforms in Macau,” according to the Macau Daily Times. The lawmakers say it is incumbent upon the U.S. federal government to “urge Macau authorities to set a clear timeline for transition to universal suffrage in executive and legislative elections,” as set forth by the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Macau shot back that it “strongly opposes such groundless accusations” and said the U.S. “has no right to interfere in China’s domestic affairs.” The congress members noted they had made similar demands in 2013 and 2014, with no positive response from Macau.
The congressional report said “civil society and media organizations in Macau have reported threats from intimidation and self-censorship. Macau authorities have reportedly refused Hong Kong journalists and activists entry for political reasons.”
The U.S. also charged Macau with being “a center for violations of China’s financial control,” due to lax regulation of the gaming industry.
