World

US passes sanctions as world condemns new law

July 2, 2020 4:33 pm

A woman hit with pepper spray during protests in Hong Kong on Wednesday. [Source: BBC]

The US House of Representatives has approved new Hong Kong-related sanctions after Beijing imposed a security law that was condemned by countries around the world.

The measure, which was passed unanimously, penalises banks that do business with Chinese officials.

It will have to be approved by the Senate before going to President Trump.

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Critics say China’s law ends freedoms that were guaranteed for 50 years when British rule ended in 1997.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the passing of the law was a “clear and serious breach” of the 1985 Sino-British joint declaration.

Under this declaration, Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997, with certain freedoms guaranteed for at least 50 years under the “one country, two systems” agreement.