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US-POLITICS-SENATE-HONGKONG-RIGHTS
US Senate passes Hong Kong rights bill, angering China
WASHINGTON, Nov 20, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The US Senate unanimously adopted
legislation Tuesday supporting “human rights and democracy” in Hong Kong and
threatening to revoke its special economic status, angering China which
promptly summoned a US diplomat and threatened countermeasures.
The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas,
rubber bullets and other equipment that have been used by security forces to
suppress pro-democracy protests for nearly six months.
Chinese vice foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu summoned the acting US charge
d’affaires, William Klein, to lodge a “strong protest” and demand that the US
prevent the bill from becoming law. US ambassador Terry Branstad was out of
the country.
“Otherwise, the Chinese side will take strong measures to resolutely
counter it, and the US side must bear all the consequences,” the statement
said.
A US embassy spokesman said Klein “relayed that we are watching the
situation in Hong Kong with grave concern” during the foreign ministry
meeting.
China had also reacted angrily when the US House of Representatives passed
a similar measure last month.
The Senate’s Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US
president to annually review the favorable trade status that Washington
grants to Hong Kong.
It also mandates sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials who
commit human rights abuses including “extrajudicial rendition.”
The Senate “sent a clear message to Hong Kongers fighting for their long-
cherished freedoms: We hear you, we continue to stand with you and we will
not stand idly by as Beijing undermines your autonomy,” Republican Senator
Marco Rubio said.
Passage of the bill marks “an important step in holding accountable those
Chinese and Hong Kong government officials responsible for Hong Kong’s
eroding autonomy and human rights violations.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s top Democrat, Robert Menendez,
added that the legislation “makes it clear that the US will stand firmly and
unambiguously with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Hong Kong.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the US purpose was to
“support the extremists and violent elements against China that are trying to
mess up Hong Kong… and realise their sinister plot to hinder China’s
development by taking advantage of the Hong Kong issue.”
– Months of protest –
The pro-democracy movement was ignited in June when millions took to
streets in opposition to a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions from
Hong Kong to the mainland.
The protests and resulting crackdowns have turned parts of Hong Kong into
violent battlegrounds for weeks.
On Tuesday protesters occupying a university defied warnings to surrender,
as skirmishes between police and demonstrators continued.
The Senate bill updates the original Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992.
Senator Ben Cardin noted how Hong Kong has enjoyed a special economic
status for years, one that relied on authorities “protecting democracy and
human rights” in the territory.
“That was the commitment. And if they don’t comply with that, the special
status should no longer be available,” Cardin said.
The House and Senate will now harmonize the texts into a single bill to
pass Congress and go to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
BSS/AFP/GMR/TA/1433 hrs