US lets Hong Kong emergency declaration lapse, lifting some sanctions as Trump order stays

The United States allowed a national emergency declaration on Hong Kong to lapse, lifting partial sanctions but maintaining an executive order that revoked Hong Kong's special trading status. China had interpreted the U.S. confirmation as a potential restoration of privileges, but the U.S. clarified that Executive Order 13936 remains in effect, citing Hong Kong's lack of autonomy. Sanctions under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020 continue for 39 of 48 previously sanctioned individuals.