President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered an end to Hong Kong’s special status under U.S. law to punish China for what he called “oppressive actions” against the former British colony, according to RTHK Radio this morning.
According to the report, Trump told in a news conference earlier that, he signed an executive order that will end the preferential economic treatment Hong Kong has received for years, citing China’s decision to enact a new national security law for Hong Kong. “No special privileges, no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies,” said Trump.
Acting on a Tuesday deadline, he also signed a bill approved by the US Congress to penalise banks doing business with Chinese officials who implement the new security law.
“Today I signed legislation, and an executive order to hold China accountable for its aggressive actions against the people of Hong Kong, Trump said.
“Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China,” he added.
According to a White House fact sheet, the executive order includes revoking special treatment for Hong Kong passport holders.
