Security Law A Tragedy For Hong Kong: US Envoy

US consul general Hanscom Smith said on Monday that it's "a tragedy for Hong Kong" the way Beijing is using the national security law to erode fundamental freedom and create "an atmosphere of coercion and self-censorship" in the city.

Smith also said Washington has not ruled out further sanctions to pressure Beijing to remove the new law.

The US has imposed export restrictions on Hong Kong, and tightened visa requirements for mainland officials who it says are undermining the SAR's high degree of autonomy. The US Congress has also passed an act threatening further sanctions against China, pending President Donald Trump's approval.

Speaking on RTHK's Money Talk, the diplomat said Washington is looking into other possible sanctions. He did not disclose details, and denied any sanctions on Hong Kong and the mainland will backfire on the US's own economy.

“Our interest is fundamentally ensuring that Hong Kong enjoys the high degree of autonomy that it was promised, that’s worked very well for us, including in our economic and trade interests," he said.

"So I think that our position now of course is very consistent with that; Hong Kong is successful precisely because of its autonomy, it’s a fantastic business hub and trading partner because of a high degree of autonomy.”

Mainland officials have criticised the US for what they call its "meddling" in Hong Kong affairs, but Smith categorically denied the accusation.

“We reject any accusation that we are somehow meddling, the people here in Hong Kong are very capable of understanding their own interests, and when you look at what protesters have been concerned about, in many cases it’s simply the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy," he said.

"We support the right of peaceful protests, we oppose all forms of violence, and Hong Kong has its own institutions and structures for addressing these kinds of issues, they should be allowed to work. As I said before, simply let Hong Kong be Hong Kong.”

When asked what advice he would give US businesses that operate in Hong Kong, Smith said the consulate general will closely watch how the new law will affect issues like data security, intellectual property protection and the free flow of information.