The United States announced plans for new visa restrictions targeting several Hong Kong officials in response to the suppression of rights and freedoms in the territory under Chinese governance.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement highlighted China’s actions against Hong Kong’s autonomy and democratic principles, especially following the implementation of Article 23 of the national security law.
The U.S. aims to impose visa restrictions on officials involved in this crackdown, as stated by Blinken. The specific officials were not named in the announcement.
In November, Hong Kong criticized a U.S. bill proposing sanctions against 49 its officials and judiciary members, accusing U.S. legislators of intimidation.
The sanctions bill mentioned figures including Justice Secretary Paul Lam and Police Chief Raymond Siu, among others.
The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions and ended Hong Kong’s special economic status under U.S. law, warning of sanctions against entities doing business with targeted officials.
The State Department annually assesses Hong Kong’s situation for Congress, as mandated by the U.S. Hong Kong Policy Act.
Blinken, referring to the People’s Republic of China, documented escalating repression in Hong Kong, including actions against civil society and pro-democracy voices.
Radio Free Asia, funded by the U.S., shut its Hong Kong bureau earlier on Friday, fearing for staff safety under the new law.
Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule in 1997 promised the maintenance of its autonomy and freedoms, a promise increasingly under threat as activists face jail or exile and media and civil groups are silenced.
