HK Says US Laws Don't Apply To SAR Finance Firms

The Hong Kong government says new sanctions imposed by Washington in response to new national security legislation do not apply to financial institutions in the SAR and may constitute a breach of international trade rules.

In its first comments since US President Donald Trump signed, a spokesman accused the Trump administration of "brutally" intervening in China's domestic affairs.

In a statement on Wednesday night, the spokesman added that the SAR government will coordinate with central government efforts to hit back at Washington, so American hegemony won’t have its way.

"The HKSAR government will carefully consider if US's measures contravene WTO rules, and does not rule out the possibility of taking action under WTO rules to protect Hong Kong's interests.

"Moreover, we reiterate that any measures imposed under the act and the executive order do not have any legal effect on Hong Kong financial institutions."

The spokesman also slammed the US for being hypocritical to claim it supports Hongkongers, when it’s damaging the relationship between the SAR and Beijing, with an aim to suppress China by using Hong Kong to stir up trouble.

The spokesman defended the national security law here, saying it's timely and reasonable, given violence and chaos in society since last year.

Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong also condemned the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.

In a statement, it says the country's determination to safeguard national security and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity would not be stopped by foreign interference.

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