WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday easily approved a bill to support human rights in Hong Kong following months of often-violent unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act was passed by voice vote. The bill mandates sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials who carry out human rights abuses and require an annual review of the favourable trade status that Washington grants Hong Kong. China has opposed all criticism of the handling of the Hong Kong protests as unwarranted interference in its domestic affairs. Mass protests in Hong Kong started in June over a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Source: thestar November 19, 2019 23:43 UTC