The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, voting 413-3.

This legislation is part of a broader series of proposals aimed at countering China's influence, reflecting a strong consensus among U.S. lawmakers.

If enacted, the bill would require the U.S. Secretary of State to assess the autonomy of Hong Kong's trade offices and could lead to their closure within 180 days if they are found lacking in autonomy.

The U.S. has maintained a significant economic relationship with Hong Kong, enjoying a trade surplus of $271.5 billion over the past decade.

Hong Kong operates 14 overseas trade offices aimed at fostering economic and cultural ties, although these offices have faced scrutiny over allegations of espionage.

The potential closure of these trade offices could escalate existing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China, which are already strained on multiple fronts.

Hong Kong officials criticized the legislation as hypocritical, arguing it represents double standards and unjustly targets the city's governance.

Critics of the Hong Kong government argue that freedoms promised during the 1997 handover to China have been eroded, particularly since the introduction of the controversial 2020 security law.

Supporters of the bill, including advocacy groups like the Hong Kong Democracy Council, argue it is necessary to hold the Hong Kong government accountable for human rights abuses.

The bill's passage has prompted a strong condemnation from the Hong Kong government, which views it as a politically motivated attack that undermines its national security laws.

Chinese authorities have warned that the U.S. plan could trigger countermeasures, criticizing it as an attempt to contain China's influence.

China's Foreign Ministry has urged the U.S. to halt the bill's advancement, warning of resolute countermeasures if it proceeds with the closure of Hong Kong's trade offices.