US urged not to use Hong Kong to push selfish agenda

LUSAKA -- The United States should not use Hong Kong as a launchpad for its selfish agenda, a Zambian trade expert said on Thursday.

The signing of the so-called "Hong Kong Autonomy Act" into law by the White House is irrational and only meant to bolster President Donald Trump's dwindling political fortunes at home, said Trevor Simumba, managing director of Sub-Saharan Consulting Group.

"This move has to do with Trump who wants to divert attention from political issues in his country," he told Xinhua.

It was naive for Washington to try to split Hong Kong from China.

"History is there for all to see," he said.

Simumba cautioned that instability in Hong Kong will hurt the city's status as a global financial hub.

China has firmly opposed and strongly condemned the US move, saying that it seriously violates international law and the basic norms underpinning international relations and constitutes gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs.