Hong Kong govt to file WTO complaint over US tariffs

The Hong Kong government announced plans on Friday to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the United States imposing an additional 10 percent tariff on products from Hong Kong. 

A government spokesman stated today that these measures by the US are in stark violation of WTO regulations and disregard Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory, a status both outlined in Article 116 of the Basic Law and recognized by the WTO.

"The US' measures are grossly inconsistent with the relevant WTO rules," the spokesman noted. "The HKSAR Government will formally launch procedures in accordance with the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism against the US' unreasonable measures and to defend our legitimate rights."

The spokesman also emphasized Hong Kong's dedication to the rule-based multilateral trading system and strongly condemned the US tariffs, calling on the United States to immediately correct its actions.