SIMIC

Hong Kong has launched procedures under the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism requesting a bilateral consultation with the US commerce secretary, for Hong Kong commerce and economic development spokesman Edward Yau.

According to WTO rules, the US must respond to Hong Kong's request within 10 days and conduct the consultation with Hong Kong within 30 days, he said. After that, if the two sides can't come to an agreement within 60 days Hong Kong has the right to request a panel be formed to settle the dispute, Mr Yau said.

The city retains separate representation at the global trade body and has a separate customs jurisdiction from mainland China. "It is necessary for the Hong Kong government to take further action against the US," said Mr Yau.

Hong Kong has increasingly become a target for the US amid its trade war with China. The city's status as an Asian financial hub and its relationship with the mainland have come under scrutiny, especially after Beijing imposed the national security law on the territory in June.