Pence Says N.B.A. and Nike Left ‘Conscience at the Door’ Over China

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday criticized American companies and institutions for silencing speech that expresses support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, saying the companies should adhere to American values while doing business with China.

In a wide-ranging speech on the Trump administration’s China policy, Mr. Pence accused the N.B.A. and Nike of checking their “conscience at the door” when it comes to China.

The N.B.A. this month came under widespread criticism, including from American lawmakers in both parties, when it initially sided with a Chinese government attack on a Houston Rockets executive who had expressed sympathy for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong in a tweet.

Mr. Pence, speaking at a Wilson Center event at the Conrad Hotel, said that Nike stores in China had removed Rockets merchandise during the controversy.