In a move expected to infuriate China, the US Senate on Tuesday unanimously adopted a bill supporting “human rights and democracy” in Hong Kong, which has been rocked by months of pro-democracy protests. The bill is named the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, the Senate legislation "could pave the way for diplomatic action and economic sanctions against Hong Kong".
A similar measure had been passed by the House of Representatives last month. At that time, China had expressed “strong indignation”.
The Senate also approved a bill to ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other riot-control equipment that have been used by security forces in Hong Kong against the ongoing protests.
The legislations in the Senate and House of Representatives are expected to be reconciled into one bill that will pass Congress and head to President Donald Trump for his approval.
"Today, the United States Senate sent a clear message to Hong Kongers fighting for their long-cherished freedoms: We hear you, we continue to stand with you and we will not stand idly by as Beijing undermines your autonomy," Republican Senator Marco Rubio said.
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Senate Foreign Relations Committee's top Democrat, Robert Menendez, added that the legislation "makes it clear that the US will stand firmly and unambiguously with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Hong Kong".
Interestingly, the number of senators cosponsoring the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act surged on Monday, even though the legislation was introduced in June. The jump followed news of the stand-off between police and students at the Polytechnic University in Hong Kong.
