The U.S. called for a virtual meeting of the UNSC in the wake of the PRC's decision to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy & freedoms guaranteed under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, a legally binding treaty registered w/ the @UN.

This is a matter of urgent global concern that implicates international peace & security. Such actions, incl the PRC's refusal to allow this mtg to proceed, confirms their contempt & disregard for its intl obligations & for Hong Kong's democratic institutions & civil liberties.

The CCP believes it can exploit COVID19 to distract from its assault on Hong Kong & its people. This, coupled w/ its epidemic coverup & mismanagement, human rights violations & unlawful actions in the South China Sea, is not the behavior of a responsible @UN member.

We call on the PRC to stop fearing transparency and international accountability, end its empty promises, and immediately reverse course and honor the Sino-British Joint Declaration. https://go.usa.gov/xwYjM