China Considers Retaliation Measures Including Staff Reduction at US Consulate in Hong Kong

Global Times Mentions Possible Retaliation with Consulate Staff and Visa Restrictions
European Union Aligns with US but Measures Likely Symbolic Only

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] As the Donald Trump administration continues to sanction Chinese companies, there are prospects that retaliatory measures such as reducing staff at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and visa restrictions could be taken.

China's state-run Global Times reported on the 8th that if the U.S. continues its interference and sanctions regarding Hong Kong issues, it may restrict the activities of the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong.

The media stated that the U.S. and several European countries are interfering in internal affairs related to the arrest of 53 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures accused of subversion, and that China may consider strong retaliatory measures.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Global Times, citing experts, reported that the Chinese government could issue retaliatory measures such as ordering a reduction of staff at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and sanctions against American companies. It also mentioned visa restrictions for American businesspeople.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated in a press briefing, "China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security," and "The United States will definitely pay a heavy price for its mistakes."

Regarding the European Union's (EU) sanctions on China, the media added that while the EU is likely to follow the U.S. lead, most of the measures will be symbolic.

Regarding the mass arrest of 53 pro-democracy figures, it criticized the so-called subversion case as an attempt to destroy Hong Kong democracy and suppress Hong Kong's freedom, condemning the double standards of the U.S. and other Western countries on the Hong Kong National Security Law (Security Law).

Meanwhile, Hong Kong police arrested a total of 53 individuals on the 6th on charges of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law, and on the 7th, Joshua Wong, a Hong Kong democracy activist, and former legislator Tam Tak-chi of the Hong Kong opposition party 'People Power' were also arrested on the same charges.

These two individuals, along with the 53 arrested the previous day, are accused of organizing or participating in an unofficial primary election held on July 11-12 in five districts to select unified opposition candidates ahead of the Legislative Council (Hong Kong Parliament) election originally scheduled for September 6 last year, allegedly plotting subversion of state power.

The Hong Kong National Security Law allows for the death penalty or life imprisonment for four crimes: secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces.

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