China Criticizes US Hong Kong Bill
China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the passage of a bill in a House committee that could change Hong Kong’s special status in customs and export controls. The bill, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (see 1909250053), would also require the Trump administration to assess whether Hong Kong is “adequately” enforcing U.S. export control and sanctions regulations.
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During a Sept. 26 press conference, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the bill “grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs” and said the committee action “openly endorsed Hong Kong's radical and violent forces.” China urges Congress to “immediately stop advancing the bill” to avoid damaging U.S.-China relations,” the spokesperson said, according to a press release from the Chinese Embassy in the Washington provided in English.
“The passing of the bill by the U.S. Senate and the House Foreign Affairs Committees will only embolden Hong Kong's radical and violent forces, and further mess up Hong Kong,” the spokesperson said. “Any attempt by the U.S. to harm China's interests will be met with forceful fightback.”