The United States has allowed its national emergency declaration related to Hong Kong to expire, lifting some sanctions linked to the measure while keeping Executive Order 13936 in force, ensuring that the city’s special treatment under US law remains revoked.

The decision means certain sanctions introduced under the emergency declaration will no longer apply. However, the broader executive order issued in 2020 continues to remain effective, preserving Washington’s policy that Hong Kong should not receive preferential treatment separate from mainland China under specific US laws.

A US State Department spokesperson clarified that although President Donald Trump chose not to renew the national emergency, Executive Order 13936 remains active. The spokesperson said the US continues to believe Hong Kong no longer has sufficient autonomy to justify separate treatment from mainland China.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) confirmed that individuals sanctioned solely under the expired emergency declaration have been removed from that sanctions list. However, those still subject to penalties under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020 have been transferred to another sanctions list.

As part of the update, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and former leader Carrie Lam were removed from the expired sanctions list and placed under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act sanctions framework. US officials said most individuals affected by the change will continue to face sanctions through existing legislation, making the adjustment largely administrative.

According to the US Treasury Department, the move is intended to simplify overlapping sanctions programmes while maintaining pressure where required.

Executive Order 13936 was signed in July 2020 following Beijing’s introduction of Hong Kong’s national security law. The order ended several privileges previously granted to Hong Kong, including aspects of its special trade and economic treatment under US law.

China’s Commerce Ministry welcomed the latest US decision, describing it as a positive step that aligns with understandings reached during previous bilateral trade discussions. The Hong Kong government also described the move as a positive policy shift and expressed hope that normal economic and trade relations between the two sides would continue to improve.

The policy adjustment comes amid improving diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing following recent high-level meetings between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Despite the expiration of the national emergency declaration, the broader US policy toward Hong Kong remains largely unchanged, with Executive Order 13936 and other sanctions continuing to shape relations between the two sides.

Image Title: US Retains Hong Kong Policy While Ending National Emergency Declaration

FAQs

1. What has the US changed regarding Hong Kong?
The US has allowed its Hong Kong national emergency declaration to expire but has kept Executive Order 13936 in force.

2. Does Hong Kong regain its special US trading status?
No. Executive Order 13936 remains active, meaning Hong Kong’s special treatment under certain US laws is still revoked.

3. What happens to existing sanctions?
Some sanctions linked only to the expired emergency declaration have ended, while many others continue under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.

4. Why was Executive Order 13936 introduced?
It was signed in 2020 after China imposed the Hong Kong national security law.

5. Are John Lee and Carrie Lam still sanctioned?
They were removed from one sanctions list but remain sanctioned under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.

6. Why did the US allow the emergency declaration to expire?
US officials said the move helps streamline overlapping sanctions while maintaining existing enforcement measures.

7. How did China respond to the decision?
China welcomed the move and described it as a positive step in bilateral relations.

8. Has overall US policy on Hong Kong changed?
No. While the emergency declaration has expired, the broader executive order and key sanctions remain in place.