The United States may impose tariffs on Hong Kong the same as mainland China, despite Beijing warning that this would violate WTO rules.

Trump on July 14 signed an executive order to deprive Hong Kong of trade privileges and passed the Hong Kong Autonomous Act, allowing sanctions on Chinese officials and Hong Kong police allegedly infringing on the autonomy of

Trump's decree did not mention tariffs nor city access to the US dollar payment system.

In June, Congressional Research Service released a report saying that after being deprived of preferential treatment, Hong Kong may be subject to US tax rates imposed on mainland China.

Members of the WTO are countries and territories autonomous in terms of foreign trade relations.

"If the United States ignores the fundamentals of international relations and takes unilateral measures based on its laws, it will violate WTO rules and go against their own interests."

However, the Trump administration has ignored the WTO protocols when unilaterally taxing billions of dollars of mainland Chinese goods since July 2018.

If the United States decides not to recognize Hong Kong's membership at the WTO, it needs support from two-thirds of its member states.

Julien Chaisse, a professor of commercial law at Hong Kong City University, said the US would slowly adjust its policy to treat Hong Kong similar to mainland China.

China's Foreign Ministry today announced that it would retaliate equally.

"The Hong Kong Autonomous Act is a big blow for Hong Kong and Beijing, showing that the US-China relationship is in freefall," said Shi Yinhong, a professor at the People's University in Beijing and an adviser.

"I think Beijing was prepared when it drafted national security laws to minimize the possible impact, but I'm not sure how they can deal with the latest US moves."

Liu warned that both sides will eventually get hurt and the urgent issue now is to reduce stress.