美國總統特朗普發表聲明,表示出於對中國國家主席習近平、中國和香港人的尊重,簽署了《香港人權與民主法案》和《保護香港法案》兩項法案,冀中港領袖與代表友好地化解分歧,以達致長久和平繁榮。
《香港人權與民主法案》要求國務卿每年檢視香港自治情況是否符合美國給予香港的特殊關稅地位要求,以及容許國務院制裁打壓反送中抗爭及香港人權者,範圍包括凍結制裁人士在美國的財產及拒發簽證。國會同時通過《保護香港法案》,禁止向香港警方輸出控制人群及防暴設備,例如催淚彈、胡椒噴劑、橡膠子彈、電擊槍等。
中國表示憤慨,譴責並威脅要進行報復。特區政府強烈反對兩條法案,指明顯干預香港內部事務,損害香港與美國之間的關係和利益。
大專學界國際事務代表團及民間感恩節集會團隊發起今晚「感恩‧前行《香港人權與民主法案》感恩節集會」,感謝美國通過法案,籲從速制裁黑警奸吏。集會已獲不反對通知書。
晚上7時,大批市民逼滿中環愛丁堡廣場。數千人到場向美國表示感恩。大會開始,首先由意大利男高音領唱美國國歌。現場大量美國國旗飄揚。
Thousands Rally to Thank Trump for Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
US President Trump issued a statement expressing respect for Chinese President Xi Jinping, China and Hong Kong people, and signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (Human Rights Bill) and the Protection of Hong Kong Bill, calling on China and Hong Kong to resolve differences to achieve long-term peace and prosperity.
The bill requires annual reviews of Hong Kong’s special trade status under American law, as well as sanctions against any officials deemed responsible for human rights abuses or undermining the city’s autonomy. A second Hong Kong measure also bans the export of crowd-control items such as tear gas and rubber bullets to the city’s police.
China expressed its outrage, condemnation and threatened retaliation. Hong Kong Government strongly opposes the bills as they significantly interfere with Hong Kong’s internal affairs and damage the relationship and interests between Hong Kong and the US.
The delegation of international affairs from the tertiary education community and the citizens’ Thanksgiving rally team organised the “Thanksgiving Rally for the Hong Kong Bill of Rights and Democracy Act” tonight to thank the US for passing the bill calling for prompt sanctions against the offenders. The rally has received a letter of no objection from the police.
At 7 pm, a crowd filled Edinburgh Place in Central. Thousands of people came to express gratitude to the US. The rally started by singing of the US national anthem led by an Italian soprano. Many American flags fluttered at the scene.