Some focus on US Senators Thursday........>

HONG KONG: Some focus on US Senators Thursday moving to `fast-track` passage of

the Hong Kong Human Rights And Democracy Act, which has stakes for US-China

relations at a sensitive point in the trade negotiations. A quick primer:

- The Act would require the State/Commerce Depts to certify annually that Hong

Kong remains `sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment

under U.S. law`. Could levy sanctions against officials responsible for human

rights violations in Hong Kong.

- This would be an escalation: House of Reps already passed such a bill by

unanimous vote in Oct, Senate leader McConnell has held off on vote so far.

- Next steps: Senate vote, probably next week, which should pass easily, then

reconciled with the House act before being sent to Pres Trump for approval.

- Trump has 10 days to sign the bill (White House has declined to say whether he

would). He could veto or decline to sign, but with such strong support by both

Houses, it would be sent back to Trump as `veto-proof` and become law.

- This could be a sticking point in the China has trade talks: Beijing has

threatened 'strong countermeasures' if the U.S. passes it.