U.S. signs “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019” into law, China reacts

On 27th November 2019, U.S. President Trump signed the “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019” (S. 1838) into law. This law directs an assessment of the political developments in Hong Kong in order to justify changing the treatment of Hong Kong under U.S. law. Additionally, S. 2710 was signed, which forbids the export of specific police equipment from the U.S. to Hong Kong.

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying responded to this latest U.S. action by stating that this is “in severe violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations and serious interference in China's internal affairs.” In retaliation, China has suspended reviewing requests of U.S. military vessels and aircraft to visit Hong Kong. China has also imposed sanctions on NGOs that have played a role in supporting the recent disturbances in Hong Kong.