The United States has announced plans to impose visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials responsible for the ongoing crackdown on rights and freedoms in the territory. This move comes in response to China's continued actions against Hong Kong's autonomy, democratic institutions, and fundamental liberties.
The U.S. Department of State, led by Secretary Antony Blinken, has condemned the enactment of the new national security law, known as Article 23, which has intensified the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong. The statement did not specify the names of the officials who will be targeted by the visa restrictions.
The United States has previously imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials accused of undermining freedoms. The Hong Kong Sanctions Act, passed in November, named several officials, including Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Police chief Raymond Siu. The U.S. has also warned foreign financial institutions that conduct business with these officials could face sanctions.
The U.S. Hong Kong Policy Act requires the State Department to report annually to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong. Blinken stated that this year's report highlights the escalating repression and crackdown on civil society, media, and dissenting voices by Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. The report also notes the issuance of bounties and arrest warrants for pro-democracy activists living outside Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of maintaining its high degree of autonomy and freedoms under the "one country, two systems" formula. However, in recent years, pro-democracy politicians and activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile, while liberal media outlets and civil society groups have been shut down.