NHK reported that President Trump stepped up his criticism against China’s move to strengthen its control over Hong Kong and signed an executive order that ends preferential treatment with Hong Kong and legislation that sanctions Chinese officials who undermine the rights to free speech and assembly in the special administrative region. According to the network, the President said at a press conference at the White House: “I signed legislation and an executive order to hold China accountable for its repressive actions against the people of Hong Kong.” The network speculated that President Trump is highlighting his hardline stance against China ahead of the presidential election in November. Noting that the Chinese foreign ministry has released a statement highly critical of the U.S. move and expressing its willingness to take countermeasures, the network said the conflict between the U.S. and China is likely to intensify following the latest development.