The standoff between Washington and Beijing over Hong Kong continues. Donald Trump announced Tuesday the implementation of a decree aimed at the end of the preferential economic regime granted by the United States to Hong Kong. He also signed a law providing for sanctions against repression in Chinese territory.
Joe Biden attacked
These measures respond to the imposition by China of a draconian national security law in Hong Kong, the American president said during a disjointed press conference during which he also attacked several times his Democratic opponent Joe Biden. With this decree, the text of which has not been published, "Hong Kong will be treated like China: no special privilege, no special economic treatment and no exports of sensitive technologies," said Donald Trump. Above all, he added that he had no intention of meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to ease tensions.
Trump predicts brain drain
The White House tenant also predicted a brain drain in Hong Kong. "Their freedom has been taken away from them (...), many people are going to leave," he said. The Hong Kong Autonomy Law, approved unanimously by Congress, "gives my administration powerful new tools for holding individuals and entities accountable for the suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong", a he also pointed out.
For its part, China was quick to react. Beijing thus threatened Wednesday the United States with reprisals after the promulgation of sanctions against it. "In order to safeguard its legitimate interests, China will provide the necessary response and impose sanctions on the persons and entities of the United States concerned," said the Chinese foreign ministry. The tension therefore does not seem close to releasing.
Culture
Tiktok suspended in Hong Kong because of security law
World
Relations deteriorate further between China and Canada
20 Minutes with AFP