Key Points
The United States announced on Friday its intention to introduce fresh visa restrictions on numerous officials from Hong Kong in response to the ongoing suppression of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by China.P)..
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement noting China's consistent infringement upon Hong Kong's guaranteed autonomy, democratic structures, and fundamental liberties over the past year..
This includes Hong Kong authorities' recent enactment of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, which has broad and vaguely defined provisions regarding 'sedition'," 'state secrets,' and interactions with foreign entities," said Blinken in an official statement..
"In response, the Department of State is announcing that it is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials responsible for the intensifying crackdown on rights and freedoms, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act," Blinken also said..
The United States previously imposed visa restrictions and other sanctions on Hong Kong officials accused of undermining freedoms, and has as announced an end to the special economic treatment that Hong Kong had long enjoyed under US law..
