The Hong Kong Autonomy Law would impose sanctions on companies and individuals that help China restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy. It was unanimously approved Thursday, and will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The Senate initially approved the bill last week and the House passed it on Wednesday with a slight technical change, according to Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pennsylvania, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, co-authors of the legislation. . Therefore, the Senate needed to approve the slightly modified version before sending it to Trump.
The lawmakers’ move comes as China passed a controversial Hong Kong national security law that gives Beijing new powers over the semi-autonomous city.
Critics say the law, which was not released to the public until after its approval, marks an erosion of the city’s precious civil and political liberties; The Chinese and local governments argue that it is necessary to stop the riots and defend continental sovereignty.
The legislation has been widely criticized by opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong, human rights groups, and politicians around the world, and many say it will consolidate Beijing’s direct control over the semi-autonomous city.
Many worry that it can be used to attack political dissidents, activists, human rights lawyers and journalists amid continued central government crackdown on civil society under Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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