Q: We have noted that the U.S. has not renewed the Hong Kong-related national emergency under its President’s Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization (Executive Order 13936), which expired on July 14. Does this mean that the Hong Kong-related executive order has been terminated? What is China’s comment on this?

A: China has noted the relevant developments. During the China-U.S. economic and trade consultations in Madrid, the U.S. side made commitments on issues related to Hong Kong and investment. Recently, the U.S. side has confirmed to China that the Hong Kong-related national emergency under Executive Order 13936 would not be extended after its expiration this year, and that the executive order would be terminated. This action by the U.S. represents an important step in fulfilling the consensus reached in the bilateral economic and trade consultations, which is appreciated by the Chinese side.

Safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong serves the common interests of China and the U.S. The positive adjustment in U.S. policy toward Hong Kong also meets the general expectations of the international community. It is hoped that the U.S. side will abide by relevant international conventions and the bilateral consensus, respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, resume and strengthen normal economic and trade exchanges with Hong Kong, and play a positive role in building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. (Released on July 17)