Donald Trump is increasing pressure on China. The American president announced, Tuesday, July 14, 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. These measures respond to the imposition by China of a draconian national security law in Hong Kong.

"Today, I signed a law and a decree to make accountable to China because of its repression of the people of Hong Kong," the American president said at a press conference.

The decree, the text of which has not been published, ends the preferential treatment for Hong Kong. "Hong Kong will be treated like China: no special privileges, no special economic treatment and no exports of sensitive technologies," he said. He added that he had no intention of meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to ease the tensions.

"Accountable"

The Republican billionaire said that Beijing's control over Hong Kong marked the end of the economic power of the former British colony. "We have lost a very serious competitor," he added. He also predicted a brain hemorrhage in Hong Kong. "Their freedom has been taken away from them ... many people are going to leave," said Donald Trump.

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 pointed out Donald Trump. This law passed in early July by Congress targets not only Chinese officials but also the Hong Kong police, by mandatory triggering sanctions against those who are identified as working to restrict freedoms. Crucially, it penalizes the banks which, through their funding, would contribute to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy.  

With AFP

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