China Pushes Hong Kong Election Law Revision; US Responds with Additional Huawei Sanctions... Tensions Ahead of Talks

US "Direct Attack on Democratic Processes"... Additional Sanctions on Huawei
Quad Summit Expected to Strengthen Anti-China Alliance... Reinforcing China Containment Network
China "Enforcing Hong Kong Election Law Policy"... Alaska Talks Likely to Get Rougher

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin, Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The day after China finalized the revision of Hong Kong's election law at the Two Sessions (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), the United States imposed new restrictions on China's Huawei. This is the first sanction against China since President Joe Biden took office. Concerns are rising that the upcoming high-level diplomatic talks between the U.S. and China scheduled for the 18th (local time) in Alaska may become a battleground rather than a venue for improving relations.

◇Why Now... U.S. Targets Huawei

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 11th (local time), the U.S. Department of Commerce further restricted the supply of items that can be used in Huawei's 5G devices. The Department of Commerce tightened the export approval conditions for Huawei's 5G equipment. According to Bloomberg News, the new regulations explicitly prohibit the export of components for Huawei's 5G equipment such as semiconductors, antennas, and batteries, and even some companies that were previously allowed to export to Huawei will face additional export restrictions. This increases the likelihood of disruptions to existing contracts between current suppliers and Huawei.

This move is notable as it came immediately after China almost unanimously passed the Hong Kong election law amendment at the Two Sessions, which concluded on the 11th.

The U.S. has openly expressed discomfort with the revision of Hong Kong's election law. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said at a press briefing that "this change is a direct attack on Hong Kong's autonomy, freedoms, and democratic processes," strongly criticizing it as "an act that restricts political participation, reduces democratic representation, and suppresses political dissent." On the 12th, the U.S. plans to further strengthen its anti-China alliance during the first virtual summit of the Quad, a consultative group consisting of the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia.

◇China Shows No Intention to Back Down

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

As the Chinese leadership pushes forward with the revision of Hong Kong's election law, U.S.-China relations are bound to become even more complicated. Beijing's diplomatic circles predict that the Alaska talks on the 18th will likely only reaffirm each side's positions. Aside from being the first meeting since President Biden took office, the prevailing view is that more time will be needed for both sides to open the door to dialogue.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said at a press briefing that "at the Alaska talks, we plan to speak candidly about China's human rights abuses, whether it be Taiwan, Hong Kong democracy issues, or the genocide against Uyghur Muslims," adding, "We will not hesitate to strike where necessary." She also added, "However, the dialogue does not have to be entirely adversarial, and there will be opportunities to raise potential areas for cooperation."

China's stance remains firm. China has consistently emphasized that it has no intention to concede or back down on its core interests. The recent revision of Hong Kong's election law is part of this stance. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at a press conference following the closing of the National People's Congress, "We will uphold the principle of one country, two systems and Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, strictly handling matters according to the constitution and the Basic Law," adding, "We will thoroughly enforce the law to safeguard national security in Hong Kong and support the Hong Kong government's rule of law."

While showing a firm stance on core interests, the Chinese leadership reiterated its existing position that it hopes for dialogue and cooperation with the U.S. Regarding the possibility of restoring U.S.-China relations following President Biden's inauguration, Premier Li said, "In recent years, China-U.S. relations have faced serious difficulties. If the two countries, as the world's largest developing country and developed country, join forces, it will be beneficial; if they fight, it will be harmful."

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