Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Wednesday to impose economic sanctions against China if it threatens U.S. citizens’ First Amendment rights, just as Beijing …
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Wednesday to impose economic sanctions against China if it threatens U. S. citizens’ First Amendment rights, just as Beijing enacted a new security law that is aimed at tamping down opposition to the ruling Communist Party.
Calling the law a “death blow” to Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy, Biden said he would also bar U. S. companies from playing a role in aiding China’s “surveillance state.”
The new law would impose sentences of up to life in prison for a variety of offenses, including colluding with foreign forces, secession and subversion. Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the law Tuesday after a secretive and speedy process that did not allow for serious input from Hong Kong authorities.
