Trump Ends Special Treatment for Hong Kong, Signs Sanctions Bill

President Trump said he signed an executive order that ends Hong Kong’s preferential trade treatment and increases export restrictions on sensitive technologies. Trump also said he signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which authorizes sanctions against Chinese authorities and foreign banks associated with passing Hong Kong’s so-called national security law.

Speaking during a press conference, Trump said “Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China. No special privileges, no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies.” The State Department and Commerce Department previously announced a ban on defense exports to Hong Kong and suspended license exceptions for shipments to the region.