(CNN) China's Ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said America must make a "fundamental choice" about whether it can live peacefully with a "modernized, strong, prosperous" China. "We certainly have the legitimate right to build our country into a modernized, strong, prosperous country, like every other country in the world," the ambassador said. The special status had previously exempted Hong Kong from certain tariffs, and bestowed other privileges. "People could have a more predictable, safer environment to do their business in Hong Kong. South China SeaOn Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said America rejects most of China's claims over the South China Sea.

Source: CNN July 19, 2020 12:08 UTC