Hong Kong–United States relations
Hong Kong–United States relations are bilateral relations between Hong Kong and the United States. History Before 1997 The United States had a consulate in British Hong Kong. Hong Kong was often used as a trade lane between the West and the People's Republic of China during the Cold War. After 1997 U.S. foreign policy toward Hong Kong was stated in the U.S.–Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. It ruled that the U.S. would continue to treat Hong Kong apart from the People's Republic of China even after the 1997 transfer of sovereignty marking the end of British rule. The United States maintains substantial economic and political interests in Hong Kong. The United States supports Hong Kong's autonomy by concluding and implementing bilateral agreements; promoting trade and investment; arranging high-level visits; broadening law enforcement cooperation; bolstering educational, academic, and cultural links; and supporting the large community of U.S. citizens and visitors. On the world stage, Hong Kong is an active member of the global coalition against terrorism, and has joined the Container Security Initiative and remains an important partner with regard to eliminating funding for terrorist networks and combating money laundering. Hong Kong has passed legislation designed to bring it into compliance with applicable UN anti-terror resolutions and Financial Action Task Force recommendations. According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 44% of Hong Kong people approve of U.S. leadership, with 38% disapproving and 18% uncertain. As of 2020, Gallup's report showed an increase of the disapproval rate to 60%, with the approval rate at 31% and uncertainty at 9%. As of 14 July 2020, the United States no longer recognizes special treatment of Hong Kong under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act and the 45th President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization. Edward Snowden The Edward Snowden incident in 2013 had been a diplomatic crisis between Hong Kong and United States. On May 20, 2013, Edward Snowden, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee, arrived in Hong Kong. He leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in Hong Kong in early June. Snowden disclosed that "the United States government has committed a tremendous number of crimes against Hong Kong. The PRC as well," going on to identify Chinese Internet Protocol addresses that the NSA monitored and stating that the NSA collected text-message data for Hong Kong residents. On June 22, U.S. officials revoked his passport. On June 23, Snowden boarded a commercial flight to Moscow. The incidence had proven to be a rare diplomatic conflict between Hong Kong and the United States. At the time, the United States had an active extradition treaty with Hong Kong, Snowden, however, had not been detained by Hong Kong as requested by the United States. Hong Kong authorities said that it was because the United States' extradition request had not fully complied with Hong Kong law, and there was no legal basis to prevent Snowden from leaving. On June 24, U.S. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said "we're just not