The U.S. Needs a Different China Policy

摘要

China's decision to impose new anti-subversion legislation on Hong Kong is a mistake-a blow to the city's autonomy that will undermine its economic success. And it's further proof, if any were required, that the U.S. needs a smarter, more effective strategy to deal with the People's Republic. On May 29, President Trump promised targeted sanctions and trade restrictions in response to China's move and to a long list of existing grievances. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had already declared Hong Kong no longer "sufficiently autonomous" under U.S. law to qualify for the special trade status it's enjoyed until now. In deciding how to follow through, the administration should move carefully. It need not, and should not, plan to cancel all of Hong Kong's economic privileges, because that would hurt Hong Kongers without changing minds in Beijing. The U.S. also needs to apply short-term pressure in other ways-by leading international criticism of the Chinese initiative and working with U.S. businesses to highlight the potential economic consequences.