Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day, Lee slammed the United States for being “ridiculous” and “making wrong calculations” after the country imposed a total of 145 percent tariffs on Chinese imports.
He noted Hong Kong does not levy tariffs on imports and exports, and that the moves by the US are damaging the multilateral trading system.
Lee said the SAR should be fully prepared for challenges, and make good use of its strengths as an international financial centre.
“The trade war has changed the world’s economic and trade order. A new order will be formed. In the process, there are both risks and opportunities for Hong Kong,” he said.
“We are looking into possible opportunities that can be generated by the new order. Hong Kong is a free port with zero tariffs, and this can attract more trade and business activities.”
Lee said Hong Kong will explore new markets, and deepen regional cooperation, such as with Asean, the Middle East and Belt and Road countries.
He added that stability has been restored in Hong Kong after the national security law took effect five years ago, but the city should be prepared for turbulent and stormy times.
“We must always remember that the aftermath of the 2019 black-clad violence has not come to an end. There are still attempts at the resurgence of anti-China and anti-Hong Kong forces, with acts of soft resistance, and inciting disgust and hatred,” he said.
Lee added the government will use new methods to promote national security education, such as making use of different media platforms and technologies.
