Senior U.S. diplomat: Hong Kong freedoms 'must be vigorously protected'

WASHINGTON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - The United States believes freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Hong Kong must be protected and will continue to press China on the issue, a senior U.S. diplomat said in congressional testimony on Wednesday.

"In Hong Kong, we believe that the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly - core values that we share with the people of Hong Kong - must be vigorously protected. We continue to urge Beijing to uphold its commitments," David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs told a Senate panel. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Sandra Maler)