Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that it would be difficult for the U.S. to sign a trade agreement with China if demonstrations in Hong Kong are met with violence.

"The president's made it clear it'll be very hard for us to do a deal with China if there's any violence or if that matter is not treated properly and humanely," Pence said during an interview with Indianapolis-based radio host Tony Katz.

The vice president said the U.S. is "taking a strong stand with China" while "currently negotiating a phase-one deal."