Trump approves legislation backing Hong Kong protesters

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law congressional legislation backing protesters in Hong Kong despite angry objections from Beijing, with which he is seeking a deal to end a damaging trade war.

The new legislation, approved unanimously by the U.S. Senate and by all but one lawmaker in the House of Representatives last week, requires the State Department to certify, at least annually, that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to justify favorable U.S. trading terms that have helped it maintain its position as a world financial center. It also threatens sanctions for human rights violations.

Congress passed a second bill - which Trump also signed - banning the export to the Hong Kong police of crowd-control munitions, such as teargas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and stun guns.

“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 Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all,” Trump said in a statement.

-snip-

WORLD NEWS NOVEMBER 27, 2019 / 6:08 PM / UPDATED 12 MINUTES AGO


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-trump/trump-approves-legislation-backing-hong-kong-protesters-idUSKBN1Y12NB

[LeftInTX]

1. I'm shocked!

[cstanleytech]

3. I'm not as he has alot of real estate in Hong Kong and China having more of a say over

what goes on in the city could very well interrupt any shady business dealings there that he might be involved in.

[Flaleftist]

14. A veto would have been overridden. He didn't really have a choice.

[dewsgirl]

2. Isn't President XI unhappy about the protests?

I admit, I am not that tuned in to the politics of China. I thought they were protesting due to unfair policies in their government.

[Eugene]

4. Hong Kong policies are increasingly directed by China. The people are pushing back.

Earlier this week pro-democracy candidates trounced pro-Beijing candidates.

China has steadily pulled back on the "one country two systems" guarantee from the 1997 handover. Ordinary citizens are fed up. The proposed extradition to China law was the last straw. The protesters want the Beijing-supported Chief Executive gone. They have also targeted businesses owned by pro-Beijing tycoons.

[dewsgirl]

5. Why did he make it sound like he was doing it for XI?

I thought president XI was unhappy and embarrassed about the protests?

[rpannier]

7. Have his cake and eat it too?

[Maxheader]

6. Cheetox?

Those protesters are for liberty and justice...And they know your not..Therefor..

You can include them in the haters and never trumpers..sucker..

[nitpicker]

8. China furious after Trump signs Hong Kong bills into law

https://www.dw.com/en/china-furious-after-trump-signs-hong-kong-bills-into-law/a-51445996

(snip)
China's foreign ministry said Thursday that the legislation was a serious interference in Chinese affairs and a "blatant hegemonic act."

"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," the ministry said.

US Ambassador Terry Branstad was later summoned to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
(snip)

[ProfessorGAC]

9. Didn't DOLTUS Criticize Houston GM?

Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but when the NBA controversy came up, wasn't low IQ criticizing the GM of the Rockets for expressing the same sentiment?

[killaphill]

10. That did not happen

You must be confusing DJT with Lebron James.

[ProfessorGAC]

11. Thanks

I remember Janes' comments. I thought DOLTUS chirped, too.
Guess I recalled that wrong.

[dalton99a]

12. The bill was veto-proof. He had no choice.

[TomVilmer]

13. Protesters will hold a celebratory, pro-US rally for Trump...

... who gave them what one prominent activist termed a timely Thanksgiving present.



https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/28/asia/hong-kong-reaction-trump-legislation-intl-hnk/index.html

- people are generally very confused.