More US Action May Be On The Way, Says Felix Chung

Liberal Party leader Felix Chung says he believes the US may take further actions against Hong Kong, as tensions between Washington and Beijing escalate.

Speaking on RTHK’s Letter to Hong Kong, Chung said this could include imposing sanctions on even more individuals, and pressuring international financial institutions in the SAR to stop offering their services to particular “targets”.

The US imposed sanctions last week on 11 Hong Kong and mainland officials, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam, following Beijing’s imposition of a national security law on the SAR.

“Although we do respect and understand this decision, the imposition of the National Security Law has caused major influence from international powers,” Chung said.

He said the “uncertainty” would have an impact on the business sector, and created doubt about Hong Kong’s future as a financial hub.

“We hope that the two countries will reach an agreement in near future, otherwise, Hong Kong will continue to suffer,” he said. “In the meantime, the Hong Kong SAR government should enhance external promotion to reassure the international community on one country, two systems, and to restore confidence in our city.”

Chung said the government here should focus on minimising disputes, and focus its efforts on solving livelihood and economic issues.

The lawmaker added he had been confused by the Chief Executive's announcement that she had fulfilled goals set out in her election manifesto – which included a pledge to improve the relationship between the legislative and executive branches.

"However, her relationship with the pan-democratic camp has been worsening over the past two years," said Chung.

"The failure of cooperation between legislature and the government as well as the deeply divided Hong Kong society resulted in delays in many administration works. So quite frankly, we do not understand why the Chief Executive believes she already finished most of her commitments within the first two years."

He said because of the SAR governments failure to "recover the city's instability due to social unrest in the past year, the Central Government was forced to step in and impose the National Security Law in Hong Kong."