Axios
House votes to condemn Chinese government over Hong Kong rights violation
The House on Monday passed a resolution condemning the Chinese government and Hong Kong’s local legislature for ‘the continuing violation of rights and freedoms’ in an almost unanimous vote. Send the news: the resolution calling on governments to liberate the pro-democracy leaders of Hong Kong imprisoned under China’s national legislation has been adopted 418-1. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) Was the only member of Congress to vote against the measure. Get market news worth your time at Axios Markets. Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, 73, an outspoken critic of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, was among a group of activists sentenced last Friday under the law imposed on Hong Kong last year. Gregory Meeks, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (DN.Y.), said the adoption of the resolution sends a strong two-party message demanding that the Chinese and Hong Kong governments respect the will of Hong Kongers, according to The Hill. “We will continue to push for democracy and respect for human rights in Hong Kong,” he added. We will continue to show that we stand in solidarity with the pro-democracy figures and activists who have made tremendous sacrifices for their city and for their core human rights. “The big picture: Former President Trump signed a bill sanctioning Chinese officials in July last year in response to Beijing’s security legislation for Hong Kong. The Biden government has since tightened sanctions to curb democracy in Asia. on the other hand: China did not immediately respond to the vote in the House, but President Xi Jinping on Tuesday made a series of thinly veiled cattle in the US and warned against ‘mastering others or interfering in others’ internal affairs’ Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include Xi’s comments. Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.