China promises sanctions for US ending of Hong Kong preferential status
- Beijing says American institutions and individuals to be targeted after President Donald Trump signs new law
- Foreign ministry statement describes US actions as ‘violation’ of international norms and ‘interference’ in Chinese internal affairs
A statement by the Chinese foreign ministry said Trump’s move to sign the Hong Kong Autonomy Act into law was a violation of international relations norms, and a serious interference in China’s internal affairs.
“The Chinese government resolutely opposes it and condemns it,” the statement said. “To protect its legitimate interests, China will take necessary action to impose sanctions against related US institutions and individuals.”
“China’s sanctions would follow the pattern of its countermeasures of sanctioning a US entity and four US individuals over the Xinjiang-related issue. It would be reciprocal in number with the US action," said Chen Long, a partner with independent research agency Plenum.
US senators Chris Van Hollen and Patrick Toomey, who introduced the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, were likely to be on China’s retaliation list. Senator Josh Hawley and some Congressmen may also be targeted, Chen said.
Trump signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act as well as an executive order ending Hong Kong’s preferential trade treatment on Tuesday. In signing the law, Trump said Hong Kong would be treated the same as mainland China.