Hong Kong ‘hard to see’ as finance hub if China takes over: US

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is “displeased” with China’s proposed crackdown in Hong Kong and has doubts over the territory’s future as a global financial center if it goes ahead, the White House said on Tuesday (May 26).

It’s “hard to see how Hong Kong can remain a financial hub if China takes over,” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told a briefing, saying the warning came directly from Trump.

Beijing wants to enact legislation banning secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong after months of massive, often violent pro-democracy protests last year.

Activists in Hong Kong warn the clampdown would effectively mean an end to the former British colony’s special status, where elections, a free press and other liberties help make it an international finance capital rivalling New York and London.

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