"Bill has worked on campaigns at every level. He can dispassionately read numbers and know what to do with them."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said earlier such action by the United States, if true, would be "pathetic."

The order said residents were "strongly encouraged" to wear face coverings in public.

More than 100 lawmakers signed on to the agency.

"To this end, the future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people...