U.S. House passes China sanctions bill
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday (July 1) passed abill with unanimous consent taking aim at China's new national security law for Hong Kong.
The bill penalizes banks for doing business with Chinese officials who implement the national security law, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said quote signals the death of the "one country, two systems" principle, undermining the former British colony's freedoms.
The measure reflects growing concern in Washington over the law, which has drawn international outcry, condemning the law as an end to the city's autonomy.
[House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said:] "The law is a brutal, sweeping crackdown against the people of Hong Kong intended to destroy the freedoms they were promised."
The bill is similar to a measure approved last week in the Senate.
Under congressional rules it must now return to the Senate and be passed there, before being sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law or veto.
The U.S. has already begun eliminating Hong Kong's special status under U.S. law, halting defense exports and restricting the territory's access to high-tech products.
