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Hong Kong’s John Lee hoping for ‘positive relations’ with US under Trump

But city leader warns against any attempts to interfere politically in Hong Kong’s political and judicial affairs

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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks to the media at government headquarters in Admiralty. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong’s leader has said he is hoping for “positive relations” with the US under the new administration of President Donald Trump but also warned against any attempts to interfere in the city’s political and judicial affairs.
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Speaking just hours after Trump’s inauguration, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the introduction of the new leadership could serve as a “good starting point” for Hong Kong-US relations.

“I think there are a lot of commonalities and common interests between Hong Kong and the US, and with the new president in office I hope to see that there will be good efforts to promote positive relations,” Lee said.

“But, of course, we will always prepare for the worst, and we will ensure that the rights of our people and companies will be protected.”

The city leader also said “any political interference, any inappropriate action against Hong Kong will not work”.

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Trump, who was sworn in for his second term as president, has threatened to impose tariffs on all Chinese imports, while analysts also warned that Hong Kong could come under greater scrutiny from a United States cabinet filled with China hawks.
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