Pompeo: "Hong Kong is now controlled by the Chinese Communist Party... It should be treated accordingly"

Carrie Lam: "Nothing Has Changed Except That the Riots Have Disappeared"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on the 8th (local time) that the United States will treat Hong Kong the same as any other part of China. The special status that the U.S. has recognized for Hong Kong will disappear, so preparations must be made accordingly.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the same day, Secretary Pompeo stated, "Hong Kong is now controlled by the Chinese Communist Party," adding, "The world and businesses must now treat Hong Kong accordingly. The U.S. government is also approaching it in line with this."

The U.S. has expressed the position that Hong Kong's special status, which it has enjoyed until now, should be revoked following the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law). Previously, when China reclaimed Hong Kong from British colonial rule, it announced the principle of maintaining "one country, two systems" for 50 years. This included recognition of Hong Kong's autonomy, but the implementation of the Hong Kong Security Law has nullified this principle.

In fact, on the 7th, the U.S. Department of the Treasury escalated its response by adding 14 vice chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) to the sanctions list in relation to the disqualification of Hong Kong opposition lawmakers. The reason is that the NPC Standing Committee provided the basis for disqualifying Hong Kong opposition lawmakers. Those sanctioned are barred from visiting the U.S., have their assets frozen within the U.S., and are prohibited from conducting transactions with U.S. persons.

Regarding the possibility of changes to Hong Kong's special status mentioned by Secretary Pompeo and others, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam expressed disagreement. Lam stated, "Nothing has recently changed (in Hong Kong)," adding, "If anything has changed, it is that the chaotic scenes that began in June last year can no longer be seen."

Meanwhile, Secretary Pompeo commented on the Taiwan issue, saying, "I hope the Chinese Communist Party makes a different decision regarding Taiwan."

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