WASHINGTON, Nov 27 - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law congressional legislation backing protesters in Hong Kong despite angry objections from Beijing, with which he is seeking a deal to end a damaging trade war.
At the heart of matter is Beijing's promise to allow Hong Kong a"high degree of autonomy" for 50 years when it regained sovereignty over the city in 1997, a pledge that has formed the basis of the territory's special status under U.S. law. Protesters say freedoms have been steadily eroded. The decision was also influenced by the overwhelming majorities in the Senate and House in favor of the legislation, which was widely seen as making the bills veto-proof, as well as the landslide election victory in Hong Kong earlier this week of critics of Chinese rule, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
After the Senate passed the legislation, Beijing vowed counter-measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security.Last week, Trump boasted that he alone had prevented Beijing from crushing the demonstrations with a million soldiers, while adding that he had told President Xi that doing so would have"a tremendous negative impact" on trade talks.
The person familiar with the matter said by publicly expressing such reservations Trump could be trying to assure the Chinese that he will not act to implement the toughest measures unless they sharply intensify their crackdown in Hong Kong.
Nehmine....China got plenty in stock! One call away and container loads of 'Made in PRC crowd control munitions shall be on its way! 🥴🥴🥴
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