How Hong Kong-US ties will shift under the Trump administration in 2025
Experts say human rights will be ‘far less of a concern’ while the city’s financial services could face increased scrutiny from Washington
Financial services in Hong Kong could face increased scrutiny by the US in 2025 under Donald Trump’s leadership, while human rights will be “far less of a concern” for his administration, according to political and international relations experts.
But they expected that drastic measures, including unpegging the Hong Kong dollar from the US dollar and removing the city from the current financial messaging system, were “speculative” and would “encounter significant resistance”.
As 2025 begins, US sanctions on Hong Kong officials, including Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, appear set to stay in place.
All eyes are on whether Trump, who will be sworn in as president for his second term on January 20, will intensify pressure on mainland China and Hong Kong, particularly with a cabinet that comprises at least three China hawks.
The 78-year-old Republican has earlier promised to slap 60 per cent tariffs on “Made in China” goods, and ensure the release from jail of former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, charged with foreign collusion and sedition.
