McConnell Urges Administration to Sanction Beijing Over Hong Kong Status

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urged the Trump administration to sanction China for its infringement on Hong Kong’s autonomy, saying Beijing must face penalties. “I encourage the administration to use the tools Congress has given it and to work with like-minded nations to impose those costs,” McConnell said on the Senate floor June 18. The administration certified last month that Hong Kong no longer warrants special customs treatment and Trump vowed to impose sanctions and export controls against the region (see 2005290047), but the administration has yet to announce concrete measures (see 2006040038). “Every nation that cares about democracy and stability has a stake in ensuring that Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong carry consequences,” McConnell said.