The measure is a signal of support to pro-democracy protesters but is likely to heighten tensions with China’s government.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill demonstrating strong bipartisan support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, despite objections raised by Beijing.
“I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong,” Trump said in a statement. “They are being enacted in the hope that leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all.”
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.
It would also empower the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or Chinese officials who take actions that violate human rights.
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