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.