The United States on Friday stepped up threats to strip Hong Kong of special trading privileges as it led Western nations in anger over China's brazen assault on the territory's autonomy.
The United States on Friday stepped up threats to strip Hong Kong of special trading privileges as it led Western nations in anger over China's brazen assault on the territory's autonomy.
The new law would enforce punishment for "subversion" and other perceived offenses in the city, which was swept by months of massive and occasionally violent pro-democracy protests last year. "The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal, abide by its international obligations, and respect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions and civil liberties, which are key to preserving its special status under US law," Pompeo said in a statement.
He nevertheless cautioned of the risks of the United States revoking the city's trading status, while acknowledging that many in Hong Kong were angry and would back the move. "If China is so stupid as to believe that they can do away with Hong Kong and they don't need an international financial center, then of course there's nothing which one could do to dissuade them to do otherwise," he said.
Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, warned that the Pacific powers were at "their most dangerous moment" since they normalized relations four decades ago.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China parliament eyes Hong Kong national security law after unrestBeijing has made clear it wants new security legislation passed after the semi-autonomous city was rocked by 7 months of massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.
Read more »
China may pass bill to crack down on Hong Kong oppositionBEIJING — China’s ceremonial parliament will consider a bill that could limit opposition activity in Hong Kong, a spokesperson said Thursday, appearing to confirm speculation that China will
Read more »
'This is the end of Hong Kong': China pushes security law after unrest
Read more »
US top diplomat calls China virus response 'paltry' compared to damage done
Read more »
Stocks end lower on Wall Street as US-China tensions weighStocks closed broadly lower on Wall Street Thursday as investors weighed more data showing the economic damage being caused by the coronavirus pandemic and another flareup in tensions between the U.S. and China.
Read more »
Don’t be too optimistic about lifting of K-pop ban in China—expertsDespite K-pop artists landing endorsement deals in China as of late, pop culture and China experts are cautioning against being too optimistic. AsiaNewsNetwork
Read more »