That could “have a hugely negative impact on
investors in Hong Kong, no matter if they’re from
Hong Kong, mainland China or other countries,”
said Shi Yinhong, an expert on international
relations at Renmin University’s School of
International Studies.
Trade with China would suffer more, given Hong
Kong’s status as an important financial center
— a role that has been growing as relations
between China and the U.S. have deteriorated
amid their bruising trade war.
“The most needed prospect of certainty for
business will vanish,” said Shi, who expects
China to adopt a tougher stance on trade and
other issues.
Apart from balking at further trade talks,
Beijing’s options for retaliation could include
refusing to cooperate with Washington in
dealings with North Korea and Iran, recalling
Image: Kin Cheung