Trump: "Chinese Measures to Come This Week... Very Strong" (Comprehensive)

This Week's Preparatory Measures for China's Hong Kong National Security Law Processing

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 26th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump stated that there would be U.S. measures this week regarding the conflict surrounding China's enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

During a press conference held at the White House Rose Garden, President Trump was asked about the possibility of U.S. sanctions against China and said, "We are doing something right now," adding, "I think you will find it very interesting."

He then avoided specific comments by saying, "I will not talk about it today," but when further questioned, he replied, "This is something you will hear before the end of this week." President Trump also added, "I think very strongly..." effectively signaling the likelihood of strong measures being taken this week.

This suggests that as China is pushing for the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law directly through the National People's Congress (NPC) on the 28th instead of the Hong Kong legislature, the U.S. is also considering strong countermeasures.

On the same day, Bloomberg News reported that the U.S., led by the Treasury Department, is reviewing sanctions against Chinese officials, companies, and financial institutions if the Hong Kong Security Law is enacted. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany also expressed President Trump's displeasure regarding China's insistence on pushing forward the Hong Kong Security Law during the daily briefing and raised doubts about the future status of Hong Kong as a financial hub.