US Imposes Fresh Visa Restrictions on Hong Kong Officials
The United States announced on Friday its decision to impose new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials in response to the crackdown on rights in the Chinese-ruled city.
Background
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that the crackdown included the enforcement of “Article 23”, a national security law targeting crimes such as treason, insurrection, espionage, and theft of state secrets.
Statement by Antony Blinken
Blinken stated, “In the past year, China has taken actions against Hong Kong’s promised high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and rights and freedoms.”
He further added, “The Department of State is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials responsible for the escalating crackdown on rights and freedoms.”
Response from China
China’s foreign ministry representative in Hong Kong strongly condemned the US move, labeling it as interference in Beijing’s internal affairs.
The representative criticized the annual review of Hong Kong’s autonomy as a farce and called for it to be disregarded.
Previous Actions by the United States
In the past, the US imposed sanctions and visa curbs on Hong Kong officials accused of violating the city’s distinct rights and freedoms.
In 2020, the US withdrew Hong Kong’s special trade status in response to the suppression of pro-democracy protests in 2019.
