U.S. Congress adopts bills to support human rights in Hong Kong

Congress has approved two bills aimed at supporting human rights in Hong Kong following months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

The House overwhelmingly approved the bills Wednesday, a day after the Senate passed them on voice votes. The bills now go to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature, and the White House signaled that he would sign the human rights measure.

China has threatened to take unspecified, “strong countermeasures” if the bills are signed into law.

Passage of the Hong Kong bills is widely seen as complicating the path to a major trade deal between the U.S. and China. Stocks closed broadly lower on Wall Street Wednesday as investors turned anxious about the possibility that a deal may not be reached before next year.

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act mandates sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials who carry out human rights abuses and requires an annual review of the favorable trade status that Washington grants Hong Kong.

Via AP

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