The text, which threatens the special economic status of the former colony, must now be signed by Donald Trump for promulgation.
A US congressional vote will further crystallize tensions between Washington and Beijing, in full negotiations to get out of their trade war. After being unanimously adopted by the Senate, the US House of Representatives approved Wednesday, November 20, a resolution by 417 votes (against one) supporting "Human rights and democracy" in Hong Kong facing Beijing.
Adopted by a majority by the Congress, this text must now be signed by Donald Trump to be promulgated, but the American president could veto it. The broad support of senators, however, implies that this veto could then be overridden in the upper house.
"I urge the president to sign this decisive law as soon as possible", wrote Republican Senator Marco Rubio, one of the biggest advocates of the text.
An American diplomat convened by Beijing
The text also conditions the maintenance of the special economic status granted by Washington to the former British colony – which allows it to be exempted from the restrictions applying to mainland China – to the annual validation by the State Department of a a situation considered appropriate in terms of respect for the rights of the Hong Kong authorities.
The Congress also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment aimed at suppressing demonstrations to the Hong Kong police.
"America is with you and America will always support you", launched in the Hong Kong Chamber of Deputies a Republican minority elected to the House, Michael McCaul, denouncing the "Brutality" from China.
The goal of the United States is none other than "To support extremists and anti-Chinese elements who are trying to wreak havoc in Hong Kong"Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement. Beijing also summoned Wednesday the Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the US Embassy, William Klein, for "A solemn protest" and " get up " against this text.
First consequence of this vote: the Hong Kong Stock Exchange opened Thursday sharply fall. In early trade, the Hang Seng Composite Index plunged 1.62% to 26,455.21 points.
