Hong Kong Autonomy Act


The Hong Kong Autonomy Act is legislation passed by the United States Congress following the enactment in June 2020 by the Chinese Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the Hong Kong national security law.
The Act was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on 14 July 2020, and imposes sanctions on officials and entities in Hong Kong as well as in mainland China that are deemed to help violate Hong Kong's autonomy, and punishes financial institutions that do business with them.
At the signing, Trump also signed an executive order to "hold China accountable for its aggressive actions against the people of Hong Kong". Trump also revoked the territory's special status, saying “No special privileges , no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies". He also blocked any dealings in US property by anyone determined to be responsible for or complicit in "actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Hong Kong", and directs officials to "revoke license exceptions for exports to Hong Kong," and includes revoking special treatment for Hong Kong passport holders.

Passage

The bill was sponsored by Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen and Republican senator Pat Toomey. It was approved by lawmakers in both houses by unanimous consent, rendering any presidential veto moot in practical terms as it could have been defeated by a two-thirds majority vote by lawmakers.

Chinese response

The day following the signing, China promised retaliation if the US implemented the Act. The Chinese foreign ministry referred to the law as "a mistake", said that it amounted to "gross interference in China's internal affairs" and that the US was violating international law and basic norms of international relations.