US Sanctions Seven Chinese Officials for Hong Kong Crackdown

STATE DEPARTMENT - The United States on Friday sanctioned seven Chinese officials over Beijing’s clampdown on democracy in Hong Kong, and it also warned U.S. companies about the risks of incurring legal and reputational damage if they conduct business in Hong Kong amid a shifting legal landscape in the former British colony. The PRC must not suppress rights and freedoms. Today’s sanctions and @StateDept, @USTreasury, @DHSgov, and @CommerceGov's issuance of the Business Advisory show we'll continue to speak out for Hong Kong and promote accountability for Beijing’s broken promises and repressive acts. "There is no final decision" yet on whether or not @DeputySecState is heading to #China after her visit to #Japan, #Korea, and #Mongolia next week, according to a senior @StateDept official. @VOANews @VOAChinese pic.twitter.com/pV8wdjkY12

“The situation in Hong Kong is continuing to deteriorate,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. “The risks faced in mainland China are now increasingly present in Hong Kong.” The Biden administration has been undergoing a comprehensive review of its policy toward China. The administration already has targeted officials and businesses involved in human rights violations, including the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Friday’s action targeted officials participating in the ongoing crackdown in Hong Kong, accusing them of breaking the 2020 Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which sanctions individuals who contribute to China’s failure to preserve Hong Kong’s legal autonomy.