White House: "China's COVID Cover-up is Chernobyl-level" (Comprehensive)

O'Brien National Security Advisor Warns of Hong Kong Losing Financial Hub Status if National Security Law Enacted

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Robert O'Brien, U.S. National Security Council (NSC) Advisor at the White House, clearly stated on the 24th (local time) that the U.S. would impose sanctions if China enacts the 'Hong Kong National Security Law.' He also compared China's response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the former Soviet Union, claiming that China concealed the situation.

In an interview with NBC and CBS on the same day, Advisor O'Brien said, "Their (China's) concealment regarding the virus will be recorded in history alongside Chernobyl," adding, "In about 10 to 15 years, people will watch a special on HBO." The U.S. movie channel HBO aired a drama last year about the explosion accident at the former Soviet Chernobyl nuclear power plant, highlighting the state's concealment and minimization, pointing out that China is also hiding the COVID-19 situation. When asked whether he believes the entire Chinese government is responsible for the concealment, he replied, "I don't know," but emphasized, "Whether it is local officials or the Chinese Communist Party, it doesn't matter. This is concealment. We will eventually uncover the truth."

O'Brien's harsh remarks toward China were also evident regarding the legislation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. He strongly criticized China's push for the security law, warning, "If Hong Kong is controlled by the National Security Law, it is uncertain whether Hong Kong can remain Asia's financial hub." This implies that if China forcibly enacts the Hong Kong Security Law, the U.S. may reassess and revoke Hong Kong's special status granted by the U.S.

The U.S. recognized a special status for Hong Kong, different from mainland China, based on the Hong Kong Policy Act enacted in 1992, even after Hong Kong's sovereignty was returned to China. Accordingly, special status was granted in trade, tariffs, investment, visa issuance, and more. Revoking this status is interpreted as potentially causing significant damage not only to Hong Kong's economy but also to China's economy.

Regarding this, Advisor O'Brien predicted a brain drain possibility, stating, "If Hong Kong falls under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, Hong Kong residents will not stay there and will seek refuge elsewhere," warning that "this will deal a substantial blow to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party." He added, "The enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law will be a big mistake."

He also remained cautious in response to a question about whether the U.S. could use a COVID-19 vaccine developed by China. He said, "They have a long history of stealing U.S. intellectual property. I would not be surprised if they do the same with the vaccine."

Regarding North Korea's discussion the previous day on strengthening nuclear war deterrence, O'Brien urged, "If North Korea wants to have a great economy, it must abandon its nuclear program." He also commented on the Group of Seven (G7) summit, saying, "The leaders will want to meet in person to plan the post-COVID-19 world," and anticipated the summit to be held at the end of June.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.