Hong Kong to seek ‘win-win’ trade ties with US after Trump’s victory: John Lee

But chief executive says city will adopt bottom-line approach to protect legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong businesses

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Chief Executive John Lee has said Hong Kong will seek “win-win” trade ties with the US after Donald Trump’s victory. Photo: May Tse

Published: 1:25pm, 12 Nov 2024Updated: 9:40pm, 12 Nov 2024

Hong Kong will seek a “win-win” trade relationship with the US after Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election but adopt a bottom-line approach to protect its business interests, the chief executive has said.

City leader John Lee Ka-chiu spoke on Tuesday for the first time about Trump’s re-election, hours before news outlets reported that US Senator Marco Rubio, considered a China hawk, was being tapped as secretary of state for the next Trump administration.

Asked by the Post to comment on potential policies from Trump targeting Hong Kong, Lee said anyone seeking trade relations with the city should not interfere in local affairs or with its rule of law.

“We hope to develop fair and free trade relations and promote mutually beneficial and win-win trade relations with the principle of mutual respect,” Lee said.

“But we will also adopt a bottom-line thinking to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong businesses.”

Trump, who will be sworn in on January 20, pledged during his campaign to slap 60 per cent tariffs on “Made in China” goods as part of a broader strategy to prioritise American industry.