TRUMP SIGNS BILL EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG PROTESTORS: “The bill, which was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House, serves as a major rebuke of China at a time when Washington and Beijing are engaged in critical trade talks. China has warned that it will take retaliatory measures if the bill becomes law.”
Related: Mike Pompeo Is ‘Keenly Aware’ of the Threats Posed by China.
#BREAKING: Pres. Trump approves two bills in support of Hong Kong protesters. One bill allows the U.S. to sanction anyone who’s responsible for human rights abuses, while the other bans the export of tear gas, rubber bullets & other controlled items. pic.twitter.com/15eOlJQbX1
— Chloe Salsameda (@ChloeSalsameda) November 27, 2019
In a second statement, Trump adds: "I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong. They are being enacted in the hope that … China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences." t.co/pDeC3vFxVq
— Axios (@axios) November 27, 2019
Futures Tumble After Trump Signs Bill Backing Hong Kong Protesters, Defying China
Update (2035ET): As expected, China has responded to President Trump’s decision to sign the Hong Kong bill (out of respect for Xi?). China’s foreign ministry says in a statement that America’s decision was “a naked hegemonic act” without offering any details on possible retaliation.
The United States signed the so-called “Hong Kong Bill of Rights and Democracy” into law. This move seriously interfered with Hong Kong affairs, seriously interfered with China’s internal affairs, and seriously violated international law and basic norms of international relations. It was a naked hegemonic act, and the Chinese government and people firmly opposed it.
Since the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, “one country, two systems” has achieved universally recognized success, and Hong Kong residents enjoy unprecedented democratic rights in accordance with the law. The United States ignored the facts, turned black and white, and blatantly supported the violent criminals who smashed and burned innocent people, trampled against the rule of law, and endangered social order. They are extremely bad in nature and very dangerous. Their fundamental purpose is to undermine Hong Kong ’s prosperity and stability, The great practice of “one country, two systems” undermines the historical process of the Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation.
We must tell the US side that Hong Kong is Hong Kong of China, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs. No foreign government or power has the right to interfere. This so-called bill will only make the Chinese people, including our compatriots in Hong Kong, more aware of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the United States, and it will only make the Chinese people more committed. The US plot is doomed.
The Chinese Government is unwavering in its determination to oppose any external forces interfering in Hong Kong affairs, its determination to implement the “one country, two systems” policy, and its determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. We advise the United States not to act arbitrarily, or China will resolutely counteract it, and all consequences arising therefrom must be borne by the United States.
How does Trump’s administration bullshit their way out of this by claiming a trade deal is close? Xi will be forced to respond, leaving Trump unable to offer a lifting of the imminent tariff threat.
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