WASHINGTON (AFP)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 McEy 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 the previous year.
Activists in Hong Kong warn the clampdown would effectively mean an end to the previous 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.