John Lee slams 'bullying and barbaric' US tariffs hikes

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu slammed the United States for abandoning free trade principles, destabilizing global supply chains, and engaging in what he called "bullying and barbaric" behavior through aggressive tariffs.

His remarks came as Hong Kong is intensifying efforts to integrate further into China’s economic orbit and forge new international trade partnerships to counter American economic pressure.

Speaking before the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee criticized recent US tariff hikes, including an extra 34 percent on Chinese goods and 54 percent cumulative duties on Hong Kong products, as attacks on global trade rules.

"The US is undermining the economic order it once championed," Lee said, warning the measures risk global recession and inflation.

While acknowledging short-term impacts, he noted Hong Kong's declining trade reliance on the US, with American market share dropping from 8.6 percent in 2018 to 6.5 percent in 2024 in Hong Kong’s export market.

Meanwhile, ASEAN has now surpassed the US as Hong Kong's second-largest export market at 8.7 percent.

In response to these challenges, Lee outlined a seven-point strategy focusing on deeper integration with mainland China, expanding free trade agreements with ASEAN and RCEP nations, accelerating tech innovation, and strengthening financial resilience. 

The plan includes industrial upgrades, business support measures, and leveraging Hong Kong's unique "one country, two systems" advantages to counter US tariff impacts.

When questioned about potential new US sanctions against Hong Kong officials, Lee condemned the “despicable and unlawful bullying.” 

"Every unjust sanction only strengthens our determination to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law," he added.

Lee also addressed the recent visit of popular internet personality IShowSpeed to Hong Kong, expressing hope that influencers would help showcase the city’s dynamic culture, and pledging government support for positive international promotion.

(Ayra Wang)