US President Donald Trump has signed into law a bill that supports pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
The Human Rights and Democracy Act will mandate an annual review, to ensure Hong Kong has significant autonomy from the rest of China.
Mr Trump said he signed the law “out of respect for President Xi [Jinping], China, and the people of Hong Kong”.
But the law will anger Beijing – Chinese officials have previously called for the US to “stop meddling”.
Mr Trump is currently seeking a deal with China, in order to end a damaging trade war between the two countries.
The president also signed a second bill, which bans the export of crowd-control munitions to the police in Hong Kong – including tear gas, rubber bullets and stun guns.
“[The bills] 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,” Mr Trump said. (BBC)
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