US passes HK sanctions as world condemns brand-new law

The US House of Representatives has authorized new Hong Kong-related sanctions, after Beijing enforced a security law that was condemned by nations worldwide.

The step, which was passed unanimously, penalises banks that do business with Chinese officials.

It will have to be approved by the Senate before going to President Trump.

Critics say China’s law ends liberties that were ensured for 50 years when British guideline ended in 1997.

” The law is a harsh, sweeping crackdown against the people of Hong Kong, planned to ruin the flexibilities they were assured,” stated Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated the death of the law was a “clear and severe breach” of the 1985 Sino-British joint declaration.

Under this declaration, Hong Kong was restored to China in 1997, with specific flexibilities ensured for at least 50 years under the “one nation, two systems” contract.

The UK has actually provided residency, and after that citizenship, to approximately three million Hong Kongers.

But on Thursday China threatened “corresponding steps” to obstruct the citizenship strategy.

” If the British side makes unilateral modifications to the pertinent practice, it will breach its own position and promises, along with worldwide law and basic standards,” stated the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

China said the security law was needed to stop the type of protests seen in Hong Kong during much of 2019.

And regardless of condemnation in the West, more than 50 nations, led by Cuba, supported China at the UN this week.