Statement by Representative Chris Smith, of the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, about the Asia Society-Hong Kong & Joshua Wong:

“It is a disgrace, the Asia Society has some explaining to do after two events related to Joshua Wong were canceled over the past nine months. I commend PEN Hong Kong for not appeasing the Asia Society's demands. I will be asking questions of the Asia Society to understand whether these steps were taken because of self-censorship or... under direct threats from Beijing," said Cong. Chris Smith, cochair of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China. "It seems this venerable organization is too easily abandoning its core mission and kowtowing to Beijing’s ‘red-lines’ in Hong Kong. Joshua Wong and the millions who voted with their feet and at the ballot box for more democracy in Hong Kong represent arguably the most important political development in the city since the handover, educating the world about their efforts seems to fit the Asia Society’s mission. If not, maybe the Hong Kong branch should just be rebranded as a 'Confucius Institute' and abandon all pretense."