China Threatens to Retaliate if U.S. Passes Hong Kong Bill

(Bloomberg) -- China threatened to retaliate if the U.S. Congress follows through with passing legislation that would require an annual review of whether the city is sufficiently autonomous from Beijing to justify its special trading status.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it would take strong measures if the bill passed. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act is one of four measures passed by the U.S. House Tuesday in unanimous voice votes.

The bill provides for sanctions against officials “responsible for undermining fundamental freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong.” A similar bill is also before the Senate, though the timing of a vote there remains uncertain. The legislation has bipartisan support in both chambers.

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Li Liu in Beijing at lliu255@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Brendan Scott at bscott66@bloomberg.net

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