US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reported to Congress that Hong Kong does not deserve preferential treatment from the United States, saying that "China is undermining Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy."
It follows the position of the former Trump administration and clearly shows its hard-line stance toward China.
In Hong Kong, after the enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law, which cracks down on anti-government movements, many pro-democracy lawmakers and activists have been arrested and charged, and it has been determined that they are not loyal to the government regarding Hong Kong elections. If so, the pressure on the pro-democracy is increasing, such as the decision to introduce a new system that does not allow candidacy.
Under these circumstances, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the Chinese government of "China is weakening Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy" in a statement on March 31.
On top of that, he revealed that Hong Kong had reported to Congress that it was not worth receiving the preferential treatment that was different from mainland China, which was permitted by US domestic law on the premise that a high degree of autonomy would be maintained.
"We will work with Congress, allies and friends around the world to support the people of Hong Kong in their efforts to tackle China's outrageous policies," Blinken emphasized.
Former Secretary of State Pompeo reported a similar report to Congress last May over the preferential treatment to Hong Kong, and the US government has suspended or abolished three measures, including the surrender of the suspect and tax exemption.
This report follows the position of the former Trump administration and clarifies the hard-line stance toward China as the Biden administration.