Trump signs new year's National Defense Authorization Act Hong Kong and Taiwan are also on the list

Instant international

Written by: Zhang Zijie

2019-12-21 13:14

U.S. President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020 on December 20, in addition to the highly-anticipated Space Force, the Hong Kong and Taiwan issues Get all the attention. How does the bill affect Hong Kong and Taiwan?

U.S. President Trump arrived at Andrews Air Force Base on December 20 and signed the Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020. (AP)

Section 1260F of the National Defense Authorization Act refers to Hong Kong and is divided into seven points:

1. The United States Congress is clearly on the same front as the citizens of Hong Kong, defending their rights and freedoms and safeguarding autonomy.

2. The Chinese government should fully abide by the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration commitments, allow Hong Kong people to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, fully support Hong Kong ’s Basic Law, and cease involvement in Hong Kong ’s political and judicial affairs.

3. The Hong Kong Government took the necessary step to formally withdraw the Amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance in September and also sought ways to respond to the remaining four major appeals of the people.

4. The United States should continue to support the people of Hong Kong, and encourage China to take more responsible actions. If the basic agreement on Hong Kong autonomy continues to be violated, Washington will need to impose penalties on the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.

5. The Chinese government should prohibit the use of military, paramilitary or Chinese law enforcement agencies to participate in the suppression of Hong Kong by force.

6. If Hong Kong demonstrations are suppressed by Chinese armed forces, the U.S. Congress will recommend to Washington a quick response, including a re-examination of the Hong Kong Relations Act 1992 and other laws affecting the interests of the United States, and joining forces with allies to the Communist Party of China, the People's Liberation Army and civilian police Imposing sanctions, travel restrictions, etc.

7. If laws implemented by the Hong Kong government directly or non-indirectly affect U.S. interests, including future intentional reintroduction of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, Washington should comprehensively review all Hong Kong-related agreements and make necessary amendments to bring benefits to the United States. Protection.

LIVE: @POTUS Trump delivers remarks at the Signing Ceremony for the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020. https://t.co/yoxTIsbaT0

Continue to fulfill obligations with the Taiwan Relations Act

On the Taiwan issue, there are four articles in the National Defense Authorization Act that cover local conditions, including US-Taiwan cyber security cooperation under Article 1260B and the Taiwan Relations Law under Article 1260C, which require the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with the Secretary of State on whether China passes the military Issues of economic, intelligence, and other forms of intervention in Taiwan should be submitted to Congress for a review report, which should include suggestions on amendments or adjustments to the policies of the Ministry of Defense or the State Council to ensure that the United States continues to fulfill its obligations to Taiwan in accordance with the "Taiwan Relations Act.

In the 1260D article, the United States is listed to support the strengthening of the Taiwan military ’s combat readiness capabilities and the promotion of US-Taiwan defense and security cooperation and exchanges. In addition, Taiwan will hold a general election in 2020. The National Defense Authorization Act also requires the National Intelligence Director to submit a report on whether China has interfered in the election and the United States has prevented relevant acts.

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