The US is going to impose new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials. The country reported this information on Friday (March 29). The new visa restrictions will be imposed on several Hong Kong officials accused of cracking down on people’s rights and freedoms in the Chinese-ruled region. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that China has recently enacted a new national security law called Article 23. Since last year, the country has been active in suppressing Hong Kong’s autonomy, democratic institutions and rights and freedoms.
Blinken said in the statement, “In response, the State Department is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on a number of Hong Kong officials due to a severe crackdown on the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people.”
However, the statement did not specify which officers would be targeted.
However, Hong Kong condemned a US sanctions bill last November. The bill called for sanctions against 49 Hong Kong officials, judges and lawmakers involved in the country’s national security case.
The list included Justice Paul Lam, Police Chief Raymond Siu and Judges Andrew Cheung, Andrew Chan, Johnny Chan, Alex Lee, Esther Toh and Amanda Woodcock.
In response, Hong Kong said US lawmakers were trying to intimidate Hong Kong with a tough stance.
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