Reuters Insider - Pence backs HK protesters, slams Nike

HK

25/10/2019 01:22

Click the following link to watch video: https://share.insider.thomsonreuters.com/link?entryId=0_nmrpt888&referenceId=tag:reuters.com,2019:newsml_OVB2GPHE3_930&pageId=ReutersNews
Source: Reuters Insider

Description: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of
curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and criticized U.S. company
Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing
in a disagreement over free speech. Yahaira Jacquez reports.
Short Link: https://tmsnrt.rs/364LjmH

Video Transcript:

US Vice President Mike Pence took aim at China in a wide-ranging speech
Thursday just as the two sides are set to once again attempt to strike a trade
deal.

Beijing has still not taken significant action to improve our economic
relationship. And on many other issues we raised, Beijing’s behavior has
become even more aggressive and destabilizing.

Pence did not shy away from issues sensitive to China, accusing Beijing of
continuing to steal American intellectual property and criticizing its
treatment of religious minorities.

Nike promotes—

But Pence directed some of his harshest words at Nike and the NBA, accusing
them of siding with China’s Communist Party over freedom of speech in
Hong Kong.

Nike stores in China actually removed their Houston Rockets merchandise from
their shelves to join the Chinese government and protest against Rockets’
General Manager’s seven-word tweet. And some of the NBA’s biggest
players and owners who’ve routinely exercised their freedom to criticize
this country lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of the
people of China.

Pence also voiced support for the Hong Kong protesters.

To the millions in Hong Kong who have been peacefully demonstrating to protect
your rights these past months, we stand with you.

Despite the critiques, the Vice President held out an olive branch.

We are not seeking to contain China’s development. We want a constructive
relationship with China’s leaders.

American and Chinese negotiators are scheduled to speak by phone on Friday,
while President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping are set to meet next
month in Chile