- Donald Trump says that the Asian trading hub is no longer eligible for the continued preferential treatment.
- This suspension of bilateral agreement is due to China’s imposition of strict national security laws over Hong Kong.
- The bilateral agreement covers extradition and tax exemptions.
According to an ABC News report written by Matthew Lee AP, the Trump administration has suspended or terminated three bilateral agreements with Hong Kong covering extradition and tax exemptions. This follows China’s imposition of a controversial national security law in the Asian trading hub to curb autonomy and democratic freedoms.
The U.S. says Hong Kong no longer eligible
President Donald Trump already had determined that Hong Kong was no longer eligible for the continued preferential treatment.
Hong Kong’s preferential treatment based on its autonomy comes to an end following its reversion to Chinese rule in 1997.
The three agreements cover the transfer of fugitives and convicted prisoners as well as reciprocal tax exemptions with regard to the revenue that is generated from international shipping.
Deep concerns on National Security Law
“These steps underscore our deep concern regarding Beijing’s decision to impose the National Security Law, which has crushed the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.
Special trade ends
The administration has already acted to end special trade and commercial privileges that Hong Kong had enjoyed.
It has imposed sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials involved in enforcing the new security laws.
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Source: ABC News
