US President Donald Trump has signed an order to end preferential treatment for Hong Kong, after China enacted a new security law for the ex-British colony.
Speaking in the Rose Garden on Tuesday, Trump said, “Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China.”
“No special privileges, no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies,” he added.
Trump also signed bipartisan legislation to impose sanctions on Chinese officials who crack down on rights in Hong Kong. China said it would take retaliatory action.
Hong Kong has so far enjoyed unique freedoms not seen in mainland China.
But many people in the territory fear the new security law imposed by Beijing will bring an end to Hong Kong’s special status, agreed under a 1984 pact between China and the UK.
The legislation – which outlaws criticism of China’s government – is the most sweeping change to the political landscape of Hong Kong since it was handed back to China by the UK in 1997. (BBC)
