Li was one of a group of doctors who shared posts on social media in December warning that a virus was spreading in Wuhan. He was reprimanded by police and made to sign a statement promising not to commit any more “law-breaking actions. He died from the illness in February, triggering a nationwide outpouring of grief and a rare apology by police for his treatment. “We’ll ensure the name Li Wenliang is never forgotten – by placing it permanently outside the embassy of the nation responsible for the deaths Dr Li tried to prevent,” said Tom Cotton, a Republican senator known for his hawkish views on China.
The measure, also backed by senator Marco Rubio, was introduced simultaneously in both chambers of Congress.