WASHINGTON \u2014 The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong, one day after a unanimous vote in the Senate drew condemnation from Beijing as an unwarranted interference in its domestic affairs.<\/p>\n
The bill now heads to President Donald Trumps desk. The White House had no comment on the legislation after the 417-1 House vote. Trump is expected to sign the legislation even though it could further complicate his efforts to reach a preliminary trade deal with China, after the bill garnered veto-proof majorities in both chambers.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, the Congress is sending an unmistakable message to the world that the United States stands in solidarity with freedom-loving people of Hong Kong, and we fully support their fight for freedom,\u201d House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during consideration of the bill.<\/p>\n
House members on both sides of the aisle brushed off a warning from a Chinese government spokesperson that \u201cChina will have to take strong countermeasures to defend our national sovereignty, security and development interests if the U.S. continues to make the wrong moves.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, S. 1838 (116), would require the secretary of state to certify, at least once a year, whether Hong Kong continues to have enough control over its own affairs to warrant maintaining its special trade status under U.S. law.<\/p>\n
It would also empower the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or Chinese officials who take actions that violate human rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cI urge the president to sign this critical bill into law as soon as possible,\u201d Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in a statement after the House vote, reflecting the view of many lawmakers.<\/p>\n
The congressional action follows six months of increasingly violent protests in Hong Kong that are driven by concerns that the former British colonys democratic traditions are increasingly being eroded by Beijing.<\/p>\n
It also comes amid increasing speculation that Trumps efforts to wrap up talks with China on a \u201cphase one\u201d trade agreement could slip into 2020, despite his announcement last month that the two sides reached an agreement in principle.<\/p>\n
Trump on Wednesday downplayed the importance of reaching any deal, saying he was content to keep collecting tariffs he has imposed on more than $350 billion worth of Chinese goods.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to talk to China. China wants to make a deal. The question is: Do I want to make a deal? Because I like whats happening right now. Were taking in billions and billions of dollars,\u201d Trump told reporters.<\/p>\n
Hong Kong reverted to Chinese control on July 1, 1997, under a treaty negotiated by China and the United Kingdom that guaranteed the city \u201ca high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defense affairs.\u201dRead More \u2013 Source<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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