U.S House takes hard line over Hong Kong
The U.S. House took a hard line on China Tuesday (October 16) passing a series of measures lending support to Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.
All three bills on Hong Kong passed unanimously with members saying they wanted to take an aggressive stance on China.
One key measure would require the U.S. to review Hong Kong ever year.
If it doesn't find Hong Kong has retained its autonomy the city could lose special U.S. status that's helped it grow into a financial hub.
U.S. speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI, SAYING:
"For years, the people of Hong Kong have faced a barrage of unjust and harsh restrictions on their freedoms, and those who have stood up for their rights have been met with a cruel crackdown.
In Congress, Democrats and Republicans in the House and in the Senate stand united with the people of Hong Kong.
If America does not speak up for human rights in China because of commercial interests then we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world."
It's a move Beijing quickly condemned, accusing U.S. lawmakers of 'sinister intentions'.
In a Wednesday (October 16) statement, China's Foreign Ministry said China's relationship with the US will be damaged should the legislation become law.
