HONG KONG's Secretary for Commerce Edward Yau has called on the US to focus on its bilateral trading relationship with the city, and not on the anti-government protests that have evolved to demand greater democracy for Hong Kong.
Mr Yau believes Washington is trying to make 'an unwarranted and unnecessary' link between its trade policy and the city's human rights and development, reported South China Morning Post.
The commerce chief also said the Trump administration was dragging the city's protests into US-China trade talks.
'The US government should consider more how it handles US-Hong Kong bilateral relations when facing pressure from its Congress members,' said Mr Yau.
'The US and Hong Kong are on an equal footing under the World Trade Organisation trading status. So, we should respect each other on a no-more-no-less basis.'
On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators marched to the United States consulate in Hong Kong and called on Washington to enact a law in support of the city's democratic development and human rights.
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Mr Yau believes Washington is trying to make 'an unwarranted and unnecessary' link between its trade policy and the city's human rights and development, reported South China Morning Post.
The commerce chief also said the Trump administration was dragging the city's protests into US-China trade talks.
'The US government should consider more how it handles US-Hong Kong bilateral relations when facing pressure from its Congress members,' said Mr Yau.
'The US and Hong Kong are on an equal footing under the World Trade Organisation trading status. So, we should respect each other on a no-more-no-less basis.'
On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators marched to the United States consulate in Hong Kong and called on Washington to enact a law in support of the city's democratic development and human rights.
WORLD SHIPPING