Hong Kong call

The US yesterday declared that

Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from mainland China, escalating a stand-off with Beijing over its new national security legislation. The move could lead to the US could ending some of its special trade provisions with the territory if Beijing pushes through its controversial proposed law, which is seen by critics as undercutting Hong Kong’s liberty. Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, said he had notified Congress on the new view of Hong Kong. His department is required to provide updates on the territory’s autonomy from China. “I certified to Congress today that Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as US laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997,” a statement from Pompeo read. “No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground.” Citing national security, Chinese officials, announced the new legislation which would criminalise anti-government groups in Hong Kong.