President Donald Trump is suggesting he may veto legislation aimed at supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in order to reach a trade agreement with China, according to The Washington Post.
Trump’s comments came on Friday during an interview on television’s “Fox & Friends.”
The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act was passed by the House on Wednesday. The vote came one day after the Senate had approved the measure.
It was noted on the show that China is asking Trump to veto the legislation and the president was asked what he was going to do.
“We have to stand with Hong Kong, but I’m also standing with President Xi (Jinping),” he replied.
And Trump added: "He is a friend of mine. He is an incredible guy...I would like to see them work it out. We have to see them work it out. But stand with Hong Kong, I stand with freedom, I stand with all the things we want to do, but we're in the process of making the largest trade deal in history. And if we could do that, it would be great. China wants it. We want it."
The Post noted Trump has 10 days to sign the pro-democracy legislation into law or veto it. It will become law automatically if he doesn’t do anything.
The legislation authorizes sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials who carry out human rights abuses.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.