China welcomes US move not to extend Hong Kong-related order

The United States' decision not to extend the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region-related national emergency measures under Executive Order 13936 after it expired on July 14 marks an important step in implementing the consensus reached during China-US economic and trade talks in Madrid, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

Responding to a media inquiry, a spokesperson for the ministry said in an online statement that China has noted the development. During the China-US economic and trade consultations in Madrid, the US side made commitments on issues including Hong Kong and investment.

According to the ministry, the US side has recently confirmed to China that the national emergency measures declared in Executive Order 13936 concerning Hong Kong would not be renewed upon its expiry this year and that the executive order will therefore terminate.

The relevant action taken by the US side is an important step in implementing the consensus reached during the bilateral economic and trade consultations, and China welcomes this move, the spokesperson added.

The official said safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity and stability serves the common interests of both China and the US. The adjustment of US policy toward Hong Kong in a more positive direction also meets the expectations of the international community.