US President Trump Signs An Executive Order To End Preferential Treatment For Hong Kong

CNBC: Trump signed law slapping sanctions on China for interference in Hong Kong

* President Donald Trump said he signed legislation to impose sanctions on China in response to its interference with Hong Kong’s autonomy.
* Trump also said that he signed an executive order ending the preferential treatment that Hong Kong has long enjoyed.
* The Trump administration has previously blamed China for the unfolding health crisis caused by the coronavirus, and it has criticized Beijing for its illegal territorial claims in the South China Sea.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he signed legislation to impose sanctions on China in response to its interference with Hong Kong’s autonomy.

Trump also said that he signed an executive order ending the preferential treatment that Hong Kong has long enjoyed.

“Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China,” Trump said during a lengthy speech in the White House Rose Garden that quickly drifted away from that legislation to touch on a variety of campaign issues.

“No special privileges, no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies. In addition to that, as you know, we are placing massive tariffs and have placed very large tariffs on China.”

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WNU Editor: It will take time, but this will hurt Hong Kong.

More News On US President Trump Signing An Executive Order To End Preferential Treatment For Hong Kong

Trump signs bill, order rebuking China, and slams Biden -- AP
Trump ends Hong Kong preferential status in response to 'oppressive' Chinese actions against city -- Reuters
Trump says he has ended preferential treatment for Hong Kong -- BBC
Trump announces new executive order on trade with Hong Kong -- CBS

President Trump Begins To Revoke Hong Kong Trade Privileges

CNBC: Trump taking action to eliminate special treatment for Hong Kong

* President Donald Trump announced he would begin taking steps to revoke Hong Kong’s favored trade status with the United States.
* “My announcement today will affect the full range of agreements that we have with Hong Kong, from our extradition treaty, to our export controls and technologies,” Trump said.
* Financial markets reacted positively to Trump’s announcement, reflecting overall relief that Trump did not announce more drastic and punitive measures.

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Friday announced he would begin taking steps to revoke Hong Kong’s favored trade status with the United States, in response to a controversial new security law passed by China’s parliament that would effectively bar political protest in Hong Kong.

“I am directing my administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment,” Trump said during a Rose Garden event at the White House.

“My announcement today will affect the full range of agreements that we have with Hong Kong, from our extradition treaty, to our export controls and technologies,” Trump said. “We will take action to revoke Hong Kong’s preferential treatment as a separate customs and travel territory from the rest of China.”

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WNU Editor: This is going to hurt Hong Kong .... and China. This is what this means .... Imaging Hong Kong Without Its U.S. Special Status Deal (Forbes).

More News On President Trump Starting The Process To Revoke Hong Kong Trade Privileges

Trump to end special treatment for Hong Kong -- The Hill
To punish China, Trump begins to revoke Hong Kong trade privileges -- Politico
Trump strikes China over virus, Hong Kong and student visas -- AP
U.S. businesses awake to 'sad day' in Hong Kong as Trump moves to squeeze economic ties -- Reuters

Hong Kong Warns The U.S. To Not Remove Its 'Special Status'

FILE PHOTO: Anti-government demonstrators sit as they were detained during a lunch time protest as a second reading of a controversial national anthem law takes place in Hong Kong, China May 27, 2020. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Reuters: Hong Kong government warns removing U.S. special status is 'double-edged sword'

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong’s government warned Washington that withdrawing its special U.S. status, which has underpinned the city as a global financial hub, could be a “double-edged sword” and urged the United States to stop interfering in internal affairs.

The statement came as U.S. President Donald Trump is due to announce later on Friday his response to the Chinese parliament’s advancement of national security legislation for Hong Kong, which democracy activists and Western countries fear could erode the city’s freedoms.

The former British colony enjoys a high degree of autonomy under a “one country, two systems” formula since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

“Any sanctions are a double-edged sword that will not only harm the interests of Hong Kong but also significantly those of the U.S.,” the city’s government said late on Thursday.

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WNU Editor: Hong Kong is now threatening the U.S.. I thought I have seen everything from what has been happening in that former British colony. But this "warning" is definitely a new one. Bottom line. The leaders of Hong Kong may like to believe that China's new national security law will not change anything, but truth be told, it will and it has.

Update: On a side note. This is who the Hong Kong government, their masters in Beijing, and the police see as a threat (see below).

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Tells Congress That Hong Kong Is No Longer Autonomous From China

CNBC: Pompeo declares that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, threatening trade with U.S.

* Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reported to Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from China, a move that could jeopardize the special administrative region’s favorable trade relationship with the U.S. and open up Chinese officials to sanctions.
* The State Department was required to issue a determination on Hong Kong’s autonomy under pro-democracy legislation passed late last year. The law also requires the president to impose sanctions on foreigners who undermine “fundamental freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reported to Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from China, a move that could jeopardize the special administrative region’s favorable trade relationship with the U.S. and open up Chinese officials to sanctions.

The State Department was required to issue a determination on Hong Kong’s autonomy under pro-democracy legislation passed late last year. The law also requires the president to impose sanctions on foreigners who undermine “fundamental freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong.”

Pompeo’s move comes amid a controversy in Hong Kong over a proposed national security law from Beijing that has spurred protests in the streets of the former British colony.

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WNU Editor: China's new national security law makes it very clear to everyone that Hong Kong is no longer "autonomous". Secretary of State Mike Pompeo statement to Congress is declaring the obvious. The consequences for Hong Kong are going to be profound. I am now 100% sure that it is going to lose it's favorable trade relationship with the U.S., and there are going to be sanctions against Chinese officials. This is a sad moment. The Hong Kong that I have visited dozens of times over the years and gotten to love is now coming to an end.

More News On U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Telling Congress That Hong Kong Is No Longer Autonomous From China

Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, US determines, as Mike Pompeo makes certification that may mean sanctions -- SCMP
Pompeo says Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, jeopardizing billions of dollars in trade -- CNN
U.S. considering suspension of Hong Kong's special tariff rates: sources -- Reuters
Pompeo says Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, which could mean the US ends the city's special trade status -- Business Insider

International Reaction To China's Proposed Security Law For Hong Kong

SCMP: International opposition mounts against China’s proposed security law for Hong Kong

* British, Australian and Canadian foreign ministers stress that Sino-British Joint Declaration remains legally binding
* EU says ‘democratic debate, consultation of key stakeholders and respect for protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong’ needed before passing law

As China took the first step to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong, international opposition grew Friday, with the foreign ministers of Britain, Australia and Canada issuing a joint statement of alarm about the move and the European Union calling for the need to preserve the city's high degree of autonomy.

“We are deeply concerned at proposals for introducing legislation related to national security in Hong Kong,” the statement by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, and his Australian and Canadian counterparts, Marise Payne and François-Philippe Champagne, said.

“Making such a law on Hong Kong’s behalf without the direct participation of its people, legislature or judiciary would clearly undermine the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy.”

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WNU Editor: More threats from China .... China Will Fight Back if U.S. Intervenes in Hong Kong, Beijing Warns (Newsweek).

More News On International Reaction To China's Proposed Security Law For Hong Kong

Pompeo: China measure a ‘death knell’ for Hong Kong autonomy -- AP
Hong Kong: Pompeo condemns China’s law as ‘death knell’ for freedoms -- BBC
US says China security law a 'death knell' for Hong Kong autonomy -- Al Jazeera
Mike Pompeo calls Beijing’s move against Hong Kong ‘disastrous’ and hints at US sanctions -- SCMP
Global markets fall as China moves to tighten control over Hong Kong -- The Guardian

Protesters Show US Support After President Trump Signs Pro-Democracy Hong Kong Bills

WNU Editor: The response in Hong Kong has been incredible .... Hong Kong: Thousands gather to thank US for human rights bill (Al Jazeera).

China Warns It Will Retaliate Over President Trump's Signing Bills Backing Hong Kong Protesters

Reuters: China warns U.S. over Hong Kong law as thousands stage 'Thanksgiving' rally

HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) - China warned the United States on Thursday that it would take “firm counter measures” in response to U.S. legislation backing anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, and said attempts to interfere in the Chinese-ruled city were doomed to fail.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law congressional legislation which supported the protesters, despite angry objections from Beijing, with which he is seeking a deal to end a damaging trade war.

Protesters in Hong Kong responded by staging a “Thanksgiving” rally, with thousands, some draped in U.S. flags, gathering in the heart of the city.

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More News On China Warning It Will Retaliate Over President Trump's Signing Bills That Support Hong Kong's Protesters

China furious, Hong Kong celebrates after US move on bills -- AP
Hong Kong protests: China warns US over Human Rights and Democracy Act -- BBC
China warns of retaliation after Trump signs bill backing Hong Kong protesters -- The Hill
'Full of arrogance': Trump angers China by signing bills backing Hong Kong protesters -- The Guardian
China vows countermeasures after Trump signs pro-Hong Kong bill -- UPI
China furious after Trump signs Hong Kong bills into law -- DW
China warns of retaliation as Trump signs laws backing Hong Kong protesters -- France 24
China furious after Trump signs Hong Kong legislation -- Al Jazeera
Just bluster? Beijing angered after Trump signs Hong Kong acts, but little sign of trade talks fallout -- Wendy Wu, SCMP

President Trump Signs Bill Supporting Hong Kong Protesters

FOX News: Trump signs bill supporting Hong Kong protesters despite strong opposition from China

President Trump on Wednesday signed two bills meant to support human rights and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, drawing a furious response from Beijing's foreign ministry.

The bills were signed as Hong Kong continues to be gripped by turmoil amid widespread discontent over Chinese rule in the special administrative region. Chinese officials had hoped Trump would veto the bill and the president had expressed some concerns about complicating the effort to work out a trade deal with China's President Xi Jinping.

"Look, we have to stand with Hong Kong," Trump said in an interview on "Fox & Friends" last week, later adding: "But I'm also standing with President Xi. He's a friend of mine. He's an incredible guy."

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WNU Editor: The Chinese are not amused .... China accuses US of ‘sinister intentions’ after Trump signs bills supporting Hong Kong protesters (CNBC).

Are Trade Talks Restraining China From Acting Forcefully On Hong Kong?

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that “if it weren’t for the trade talks, Hong Kong would be in much bigger trouble”. Photo: Reuters

SCMP: Donald Trump says trade talks with Beijing are ‘keeping down the temperature in Hong Kong’

* American president says Beijing’s response to anti-government protests has been restrained because it doesn’t want to jeopardise negotiations
* He also confirms new US tariffs on Chinese imports will take effect on Sunday

US President Donald Trump says Beijing’s response to anti-government protests in Hong Kong has been restrained because it does not want to jeopardise ongoing trade talks with Washington.

He also confirmed that new US tariffs on Chinese imports would take effect on Sunday.

“If it weren’t for the trade talks, Hong Kong would be in much bigger trouble. I think it would’ve be much more violent,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.

“I really believe China wants to make a deal, and they know it puts us in a very bad position if there’s not a humane way of handling the problems.

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Update #1: Trump says trade talks with China have helped limit violence in Hong Kong (The Hill)
Update #2: China response to Hong Kong would be ‘much more violent’ without US trade talks - Trump (RT)

WNU Editor: It is not only talks with the U.S. that is restraining China, but also how the EU would respond if China should decide to use force to stop the Hong Kong protests. Hence this explains the reactions of Chinese officials like this one .... China rebukes EU, US politicians for interfering on Hong Kong (Straits Times/Bloomberg).

China Bars Two U.S. Warships From Making A Port Call In Hong Kong

The amphibious transport dock ship Green Bay is seen underway on Feb. 24, 2011, in the Pacific Ocean. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh/Navy)

CNN: China rejects US Navy request for Hong Kong port visits amid protests

Amid ongoing unrest in Hong Kong, Chinese officials have rejected a US request to have two US Navy ships make port visits there in the coming weeks.

"The Chinese Government denied requests for port visits to Hong Kong by the USS Green Bay and USS Lake Erie, which were scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks," Cmdr. Nate Christensen, the deputy spokesman for the US Navy's Pacific Fleet, told CNN in a statement on Tuesday.

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay was scheduled to visit Hong Kong on August 17 and the guided missile-cruiser USS Lake Erie was scheduled to visit next month.

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WNU Editor: The last thing that Beijing and the Hong Kong authorities want to see right now are U.S. warships in Hong Kong waters.

More News On China Baring Two U.S. Warships From Making A Port Call In Hong Kong

China denies Hong Kong port visit for U.S. Navy ships amid tensions -- Reuters
China denies US warship visits to Hong Kong: Navy -- AFP
Two U.S. Warships, Marines Denied Port Visits to Hong Kong Amidst Protests -- USNI Nws
China denies request for US Navy warships to visit a restive Hong Kong -- FOX News
China bars US warships from making port call in Hong Kong as tensions mount amid continued protests -- Business Insider
China Denies US Navy Request For Two Upcoming Port Visits - Defense Dept -- Sputnik

President Trump Says Chinese President Xi Is Acting Responsibily With Hong Kong's Extradition Bill

SCMP: Donald Trump says Xi Jinping ‘acted responsibly’ in Hong Kong extradition bill protests

* US leader says China could stop demonstrations ‘if they wanted’
* Dozens of protesters left hurt by a mob of attackers in Yuen Long

After a night of violent unrest in Hong Kong that left dozens of protesters hurt by a mob of attackers, US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping had acted “responsibly” in allowing the demonstrations to continue.

“I’m not involved in it very much but I think President Xi of China has acted responsibly, very responsibly,” Trump told reporters in the White House when asked about the previous night’s violence. “They’ve been out there protesting for a long time.”

Seven weeks of demonstrations against proposed changes to Hong Kong’s extradition laws have been punctuated by violent clashes between protesters and police, fuelling Hongkongers’ anger at the city government, whose embattled leader continues to resist calls to resign.

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Update #1: Trump Praises Chinese Response to Hong Kong Protests (VOA)
Update #2: Trump says China's Xi has acted responsibly on Hong Kong protests (Reuters)

WNU Editor: Too early to say that China is acting responsibly. As for China, they are blaming the U.S. for the current unrest in Hong Kong .... China tells U.S. to remove 'black hands' from Hong Kong (Reuters).

China Tells The U.S. To 'Stop Interfering In Hong Kong Affairs Immediately'

A Hong Kong protest rally on June 9, 2019. Kelly Olsen, CNBC

SCMP: China summons US envoy in protest over Washington’s remarks on Hong Kong extradition bill

* Chinese vice foreign minister says Beijing will not accept meddling by foreign forces in Hong Kong’s affairs
* It is in the interest of the United States that Hong Kong continue to be prosperous and stable, foreign ministry says

China summoned a US envoy in Beijing on Friday to protest against remarks by Washington over Hong Kong’s controversial extradition bill.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng urgently summoned Robert Forden, deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Beijing, for the protest, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

Le said China did not accept foreign forces meddling in Hong Kong affairs.

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Update #1: Beijing Slams Washington, Warns US To "Stop Interfering In Hong Kong Affairs Immediately" (Zero Hedge)
Update #2: As China blames US, Hong Kong on a precarious edge (Nile Bowie, Asia Times)

WNU Editor: China is reacting to this .... China summons U.S. diplomat to complain about Hong Kong remarks (Reuters).