US ends 2020 emergency declaration over Hong Kong

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Washington: The United States allowed its national emergency status over Hong Kong to expire, bringing an end to a dictatorship implemented in July 2020 in response to Beijing's passage of the city's national security law. President Donald Trump declared an emergency during his first term, citing China's actions in Hong Kong as a ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ to US national security, which led to penalties, the suspension of Hong Kong's special trade status, and other economic limitations.

The US Treasury Department stated that the end of the emergency declaration removes only those provisions that were explicitly related to the national emergency. However, Washington clarified that Executive Order 13936 remains in place, indicating that Hong Kong's special autonomous trade status has not been restored.

Sanctions issued under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 and the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020 continue in effect, with a number of Hong Kong and Chinese officials still facing penalties.

China praised the move, describing it as a significant step toward implementing agreements achieved during recent US-China trade discussions and strengthening bilateral relations. The Hong Kong administration also described the move as a positive policy adjustment, expressing hope for the return of normal commercial and trade relations with the United States.