US Congress backs sanctions over China’s Hong Kong security law

The US Congress has approved a bill penalising banks doing business with Chinese officials behind a tough new security law Beijing enacted in Hong Kong this week. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Thursday, a day after the House of Representatives also passed it without opposition, a rare example of overwhelming bipartisan support reflecting concern in Washington over the erosion of autonomy in the former British colony. “This is an urgent moment. Our timing could not be more critical,” said Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor of the “Hong Kong Autonomy Act,” in a Senate speech urging support for the legislation.

“Through this bill, the US Senate makes clear which side we are on” said Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who also introduced the measure.

The bill would impose sanctions on entities that help violate Hong Kong’s autonomy and financial institutions that do business with them.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, speaking in Beijing, warned the United States against signing or implementing the bill approved Thursday. “Otherwise China will resolutely and forcefully resist,” he said.

China has already announced visa restrictions against the US “individuals who have behaved egregiously” on matters concerning Hong Kong.

The United States has also ended Hong Kong’s special status under US law, halting defence exports and restricting the territory’s access to high-technology products. The US

Department of State meanwhile said it will bar officials responsible for rights abuses in Hong Kong from entering the country.