Hong Kong human rights activists have donated 4,000 surgical masks to a Freehold hospital fighting the coronavirus crisis to thank the New Jersey congressman who has been a staunch advocate on Capitol Hill.

The donation to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold was organized by the Hong Kong Democracy Council and New Yorkers Supporting Hong Kong, two U.S.-based groups supporting the pro-democracy protesters fighting the Chinese government’s efforts to limit freedom in the former British territory, according to Rep. Chris Smith.

The hospital is located in the 4th Congressional District, represented by Smith. He was the lead House sponsor of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act signed into law last November by President Donald Trump.

“The international Hong Kong community — who like Americans struggle to contain this outbreak — are our good friends,” Smith said. "For them to show this gesture to CentraState workers is very much appreciated.”

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Smith has introduced legislation in every Congress since 2014 to resist efforts to erode the unique freedoms China had guaranteed to Hong Kong.

Last year’s pro-democracy protests gave new impetus to Smith’s efforts and he stood with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Hong Kong protesters at the Capitol last September to tout the legislation that eventually cleared Congress and went to the president.

New Jersey, with more cases of COVID-19 than any other state but New York, has struggled to get enough equipment to contain the outbreak. Gov. Phil Murphy said Sunday that the state obtained another 200 ventilators from the federal government.

If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.