Hong Kong Sanctions Interpreted as President Trump's Will to 'Show Action'
Chinese President Xi Jinping Responds to US Pressure by Emphasizing Cooperation with Southeast Asian Leaders
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] U.S. President Donald Trump is exerting all-around pressure on China, including signing an executive order to revoke Hong Kong's special status. The U.S.-China conflict, which originated from the Hong Kong National Security Law, Taiwan independence movements, and COVID-19 responsibility issues, is expanding to fronts such as Xinjiang Uyghur human rights and South China Sea territorial disputes.
The world is closely watching China's countermeasures as the U.S. continues to play its China pressure cards one after another.
President Trump's signing to revoke Hong Kong's special status is interpreted as the U.S.'s determination to "show action." There were also many predictions that the revocation might be a "bluff" since it would inevitably harm American companies.
As the U.S. takes actual action, China is expected to reveal its counter cards. There are concerns that the two countries might cross a point of no return.
At a press conference held at the White House Rose Garden on the 14th (local time), President Trump stated, "Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China," adding, "No privileges, no special economic treatment, and no sensitive technology exports."
President Trump signed a bill passed by both houses of Congress that sanctions Chinese officials involved in implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law) and banks that deal with them.
The U.S. had previously raised the issue of China's South China Sea territorial claims. On the 14th, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared in a statement that China's claims in the South China Sea are completely illegal. Following this, David Stilwell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, went further by stating that Chinese officials and companies could be sanctioned over the territorial dispute. The South China Sea territorial issue is one that China is extremely sensitive about.
China's response has been very immediate and resolute, with President Xi Jinping personally stepping in amid the U.S.'s all-around pressure.
The People's Daily reported on the 15th that President Xi held a series of phone calls the previous day with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
President Xi told Prime Minister Lee, "I hope the two countries will strengthen cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative," adding, "China plans to deepen reform and opening-up, and together with Singapore, will overcome obstacles to maintain regional peace and stability."
He also expressed willingness to cooperate on COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research and development, as well as expanding the "business fast track."
President Xi said, "The two countries have overcome the COVID-19 crisis to achieve bilateral trade growth, and the construction of the bilateral railway is progressing smoothly," adding, "China hopes to strengthen unity and cooperation among regional countries with Thailand and contribute to regional development and prosperity."
In the call with the Thai Prime Minister, he said, "The two countries have overcome the COVID-19 crisis to achieve bilateral trade growth, and the construction of the bilateral railway is progressing smoothly," adding, "China hopes to strengthen unity and cooperation among regional countries with Thailand and contribute to regional development and prosperity."
President Xi's calls with Southeast Asian leaders on this day appear to be aimed at securing allies amid U.S. pressure.
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