US Announces: The United States has announced its intention to implement new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials in response to the ongoing crackdown on rights and freedoms in the territory, according to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken highlighted China’s actions against Hong Kong’s promised autonomy and democratic institutions, citing the recent enactment of the controversial Article 23 national security law.
US Announces Visa…
Although the statement did not specify the targeted officials, previous measures included in the Hong Kong Sanctions Act implicated figures such as Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Police Chief Raymond Siu.
These visa restrictions follow past sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Hong Kong officials accused of undermining freedoms, alongside the revocation of the territory’s special economic treatment under U.S. law.
The U.S. has also cautioned foreign financial institutions against engaging with these officials, warning of potential sanctions. The U.S. Hong Kong Policy Act mandates annual reports to Congress on Hong Kong’s conditions.
Recent developments, including the closure of Radio Free Asia’s Hong Kong bureau citing safety concerns post-national security law, underscore the erosion of promised autonomy and freedoms.
Since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, concerns have escalated over the suppression of pro-democracy voices, resulting in arrests, exile, and the closure of media outlets and civil society groups.
Advocacy groups have condemned the security law and called for sanctions on officials involved, urging a review of Hong Kong’s Economic & Trade Offices worldwide.
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