The United States has announced new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials responsible for suppressing “rights and freedoms” following the implementation of a strict national security law in the Chinese-ruled territory.
The law, known as Article 23, grants the government expanded powers to suppress dissent under the pretext of alleged treason, espionage, sedition, and external interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns that the legislation could be used to stifle dissent within Hong Kong and advance China’s efforts to intimidate activists abroad.
“In response, the Department of State is taking action to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials involved in the escalating crackdown on rights and freedoms,” Blinken stated, without specifying the officials to be targeted.
This decision follows Washington’s annual review of Hong Kong’s autonomy, a status promised by China when Britain handed over the city in 1997.
“This year, I have once again certified that Hong Kong does not warrant treatment under US laws in the same manner as before July 1, 1997,” Blinken added.
The Hong Kong government criticized the sanctions and visa restrictions as “despicable political manipulation” aimed at intimidating officials responsible for national security.
China’s embassy in Washington strongly opposed US threats to impose “unwarranted unilateral sanctions” on Hong Kong, accusing the US of disregarding facts and making baseless accusations against the Chinese and Hong Kong governments.
Washington has previously imposed visa restrictions and other sanctions on Hong Kong officials for undermining freedoms and announced an end to the territory’s special economic treatment.
Link from www.aljazeera.com