Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill that supports pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, a move that has angered China. The legislation proposes to impose sanctions on officials committing human rights violations against pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong. The 'Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019', which reaffirms and amends the US-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, specifies US policy towards Hong Kong, directs assessment of the political developments in Asia's financial hub, and other purposes.

'Signed bill for peace'
"I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong," Trump said in a statement. "They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all," he added.