Trump orders his government to begin eliminating Hong Kong privileges

Published May 29, 2020

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Washington - US President Donald Trump

said on Friday he was directing his administration to begin the

process of eliminating special treatment for Hong Kong, in

response to China's plans to impose new security legislation in

the territory.

Trump made the announcement at a White House news

conference, saying China had broken its word over Hong Kong's

autonomy. He said its move against Hong Kong was a tragedy for

the people of Hong Kong, China and the world.

"We will take action to revoke Hong Kong's preferential

treatment," he said, adding that the United States would also

impose sanctions on individuals seen as responsible for

smothering Hong Kong's autonomy.

Trump's move follows Chinese plans to impose new national

security legislation on the former British colony. Secretary of

State Mike Pompeo has said the territory no longer warrants

special treatment under U.S. law that has enabled it to remain a

global financial center.

Trump said he was directing his administration to begin the

process of eliminating policy agreements on Hong Kong, ranging

from extradition treatment to export controls.

He said he would also issue a proclamation on Friday to

better safeguard vital university research by suspending the

entry of foreign nationals from China identified as potential

security risks.

Sources, including a current US official, told Reuters on

Thursday that the latter move, which had been expected, could

impact 3 000 to 5 000 Chinese graduate students.

Reuters

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