Posted on 11/27/2019 3:31:33 PM PST by MassMinuteman
President Trump signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act on Wednesday, reaffirming U.S. support for the city's autonomy after months of pro-democracy protests.
Why it matters: The bill, which was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House, serves as a major rebuke of China at a time when Washington and Beijing are engaged in critical trade talks. China has warned that it will take retaliatory measures if the bill becomes law.
Between the lines: Even if Trump had declined to sign the bill, it would still likely have the two-thirds support in Congress necessary to override a veto. In a statement acknowledging the signing, Trump noted that certain aspects of the bill would "interfere" with his "constitutional authority to state the foreign policy of the United States."
"I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong. They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all." — President Trump
(Excerpt) Read more at axios.com ...
Let’s be honest. This bill was submitted only to derail Trump’s sensitive trade talks with China. Otherwise if Hillary would have been president, the Hong Kong protests wouldn’t even be a blip in the news. Same Congresscritters who have millions of dollars in back-room deals with China now want to get tough with them.
He’ll turn it into a negotiating tool, that’s what his comments are about. He can show Xi that he’s being nice, but he could change his mind and do things that would squeeze Xi harder if he wants to. Or needs to.
The United States is only calling on China to honor a treaty that it signed when Britain gave up Hong Kong several years ago. If we sign a trade deal we must be able to ensure China honoring the treaty.
I’m glad that the Hong Kong people, who have been waving US flags as a symbol of liberty, are getting our support.
(The students there, unlike US students, understand what free speech is worth...)
There was no need for this resolution by Congress. It was purposefully designed to put Trump in a tight spot and derail the trade talks.
Just what I was thinking. Demonrats never do anything in support of Trump, only to hinder him. That being said, do you not think it is still a good idea to support the efforts of the demonstrators in Hong Kong?
I’m actually surprised he did. It would have gone into effect without his signature. I thought he was using it as a carrot. Maybe this is a sign that the trade talks aren’t going well, and the tariffs will kick in as scheduled.
“There was no need for this resolution by Congress. It was purposefully designed to put Trump in a tight spot and derail the trade talks.”
Xi knows all this, relax. Noise from both sides for media consumption has nothing to do with the work at hand.
Agree
[I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi]
Of course. But don't you find it kind of odd that Congress suddenly gets up off of its sorry ass to produce something right smack in the middle of when POTUS is working with China on a fair trade deal?
They couldn't have done this throughout the Obama years? I'm sure there were pissed off Hong Kongers then.
[Let’s be honest. This bill was submitted only to derail Trump’s sensitive trade talks with China. Otherwise if Hillary would have been president, the Hong Kong protests wouldn’t even be a blip in the news. Same Congresscritters who have millions of dollars in back-room deals with China now want to get tough with them.]
[But don’t you find it kind of odd that Congress suddenly gets up off of its sorry ass to produce something right smack in the middle of when POTUS is working with China on a fair trade deal?
They couldn’t have done this throughout the Obama years? I’m sure there were pissed off Hong Kongers then. ]
In a statement acknowledging the signing, Trump noted that certain aspects of the bill would "interfere" with his "constitutional authority to state the foreign policy of the United States."
"I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong. They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all." — President Trump
The master statesman at work. Thanks MassMinuteman.
I'm just saying that this bill conveniently came on the scene right during sensitive trade and other talks with China.
Also, you and I both know that if Trump weren't President, nobody would be batting an eyelash over the Hong Kong demonstrations or China's systematic abuse of political prisoners.
They've been doing this s--t for decades even in 1989 GHWB still gave them MFN status for trade right after Tienanmen Square Massacre.
Congress is in recess. This was done at least more than a week ago.
Why are we just now hearing about it?
President Trump is now putting his negotiating power to good use. Squeeze.
The Art of War.
It puts more pressure on China as well. They want a deal.
Congress passed it a week ago, but President Trump just signed it into law.
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