[2] The order directs government agencies to eliminate preferential treatments given to Hong Kong as compared to mainland China.

[3] While existing U.S. laws and certain international agreements continue to apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after July 1997, section 202 of the act allows the U.S. president to issue an executive order to suspend such treatments if he determines that Hong Kong "is not sufficiently autonomous to justify treatment" different from that accorded China under U.S. laws.

All United States citizens are prohibited from transactions (including the contribution or provision of funds, goods or services) involving the property or interest of the eleven sanctioned persons.

[14] On August 18, 2020, the Consulate General of the United States in Hong Kong notified the government of Hong Kong that the United States had suspended or terminated three bilateral agreements: for the surrender of fugitive offenders, for the transfer of sentenced persons and for reciprocal tax exemptions on income derived from the international operation of ships.

The spokesperson urged the United States to "correct its mistakes", otherwise China will give "firm response" and impose sanctions on relevant U.S.

He added that this practice did not comply with WTO rules, as it undermined Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory.