【明報專訊】THE US Senate has adopted the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act by unanimous vote. In the thick of the trade disputes between China and the US, some people harbour unrealistic illusions about the Act, thinking that it will be the game changer and Washington will help Hong Kong achieve democracy. The political reality is that the Act will only give the White House one more bargaining chip to demand ransom from China. It will do Hong Kong all kinds of harm but no good. From a foreign perspective, the Act will increase uncertainty faced by foreign capital investing in Hong Kong and will hurt Hong Kong's economic interests. From a local perspective, the Act marks Hong Kong's becoming a battleground between China and the US. No one can be spared from the havoc when two powers are locked in bitter rivalry. Hong Kong will stand to lose. It will only be harder for Hong Kong to fight for democracy, safeguard freedom and promote better livelihoods for the people.