Hong Kong’s leader has expressed confidence in the city’s ability to maintain its economic growth and overcome geopolitical challenges through multiple measures, despite the United States’ “tariff weaponisation”.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s remarks on Tuesday came days after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods and export controls on all “critical software” starting from November 1.

Lee said that his administration would “closely monitor the situation, respond pragmatically and safeguard Hong Kong’s rights and interests” in response to the uncertainties brought about by the US’ weaponisation of tariffs.

“So be confident. We need to innovate and work together.”

Lee said he was confident that the city’s gross domestic product would achieve the government’s forecast growth of 2 to 3 per cent this year.