January 28, 2021: On Thursday, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam told CNBC that she’s “optimistic” the Joe Biden’s administration would give her government “a fair hearing” about the city’s controversial national security law.

The law was imposed in Hong Kong last year by the Chinese central government in Beijing. The Trump administration’s criticism for the move became an issue that resulted in worsening U.S.-China ties.

“As far as we’re concerned, yes, we’re going through a very tough period where Hong Kong is often put on the global radar screen,” Lam said.

 She added that there are specific laws made by the U.S. Congress and the president’s executive order affecting Hong Kong’s business and individuals.

Following the law’s implementation, the Trump administration sanctioned 11 individuals with Lam for “undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy.” It rolled back the city’s special status under American law that treated it differently from other Chinese cities. 

Lam said her government has gone to the World Trade Organization to dispute the U.S. removal of Hong Kong’s special status, but Washington has blocked their request.

The Hong Kong economy has been dealing with a couple of crises lately from the past few years, including the U.S.-China trade war in 2018, months of pro-democracy protests in 2019, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Lam said she expects “some encouraging growth” in 2021 unless the pandemic worsens despite restrictions and vaccination.

Hong Kong records show an increase in Covid-19 infections in recent weeks.

The city recorded more than 10,300 cumulative cases and 176 deaths on Thursday, according to government data.