WASHINGTON — Secretary of State of Mike Pompeo has notified Congress that the Trump administration no longer regards Hong Kong as autonomous from mainland China.
Wednesday's notification to lawmakers sets the stage for the U.S. to withdraw preferential trade and financial status that the former British colony has enjoyed since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.
Pompeo's decision was not accompanied by a revocation of any specific privileges but comes amid calls for the U.S. and others to react against Beijing's move to impose Chinese national security laws over the territory.
Today, I reported to Congress that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, given facts on the ground. The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 27, 2020