Washington, May 26, 2020 (AFP)
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will give a "very interesting" response within days to China's threat to tighten control over Hong Kong, but he was vague on what to expect.
The United States has spoken out strongly against Beijing's plan for tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous territory.
Asked if he was considering sanctions against China or restrictions on visas for Chinese students, Trump said that was a "very important question" and that he would do something "you'll find very interesting."
"It's something you're going to be hearing about over the next, before the end of the week. Very powerfully, I think," he said, without giving more detail.
Asked about a bill in Congress that would lay out sanctions against Chinese officials due to human rights abuses against the Uighur ethnic minority, Trump said, "We're taking a look at it very strongly... I'll be looking at it this afternoon."
Earlier, Trump spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said the president told her he feels that Hong Kong's status as a global finance center, alongside London and New York, was in danger.
She said Trump felt that it's "hard to see how Hong Kong can remain a financial hub if China takes over."
Beijing wants to enact legislation banning secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong after months of massive, often violent pro-democracy protests last year.
Activists in Hong Kong warn the clampdown would effectively mean an end to the former British colony's special status, enjoying elections, a free press and other liberties absent in mainland China.
Sumber : AFP
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