US sanctions six Chinese and Hong Kong officials for rights abuses

WASHINGTON – The United States on March 31 sanctioned six senior Chinese and Hong Kong officials for “transnational repression” and further eroding the autonomy of Hong Kong, in the first major move by the Trump administration to punish China over its crackdown on the city.

“Beijing and Hong Kong officials have used Hong Kong national security laws extraterritorially to intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists who were forced to flee overseas, including a US citizen and four other US residents,” the State Department said in a statement.

In response, the US is sanctioning six individuals who have “engaged in actions or policies that threaten to further erode the autonomy of Hong Kong in contravention of China’s commitments, and in connection with acts of transnational repression”, it said.

Western countries have criticised Beijing for imposing the national security law on Hong Kong and using it to jail pro-democracy activists, as well as shutter liberal media outlets and civil society groups.

Beijing says the law, which punishes acts like subversion and foreign collusion with up to life in prison, has brought stability after

mass pro-democracy protests there

in 2019.

The sanctions announced on March 31 put blocks on any property within the US that might belong to the individuals, including Mr Dong Jingwei, a former senior official at China’s main civilian intelligence agency who is now the director of Beijing’s Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong.

Mr Dong was previously China’s top spy catcher, who had oversight of counter-intelligence.

He was also vice-minister of state security, a high-profile role which included hunting down foreign spies in China and nationals who colluded with foreign countries.

Mr Paul Lam, Hong Kong’s top legal official as secretary for justice, who has driven prosecutions against scores of democratic activists, was also sanctioned.

Security and police officials Sonny Au, Dick Wong, Margaret Chiu and Raymond Siu were also sanctioned for their role in “coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning of individuals” under the security laws.

“Such despicable actions constitute serious interference in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs,” Mr Guo Jiakun, a spokesman of China’s Foreign Ministry, told a regular news conference on April 1.

They “grossly trampled” on international law and international relations, exposing Washington’s intent to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and suppress China’s development, he added.

“China will take firm countermeasures against the United States’ wrongful actions.”

US lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican, had pushed the Biden administration to sanction all six officials, as well as 43 others, including senior judges Esther Toh, Susana D’Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee, and senior prosecutors Maggie Yang and Anthony Chau, who have been involved in national security cases.

China’s record on human rights, a contentious issue between the countries, has been a focus for Secretary of State Marco Rubio since he was a US senator, and Hong Kong democracy activists have long seen him as a champion of their cause.

In a separate statement, Mr Rubio said he was also placing sanctions on some unidentified Chinese officials who adopt travel curbs in Tibet, so that US officials and journalists are unable to travel to the region.

Chinese officials “enjoy broad access” in the United States, he said, adding, “This lack of reciprocity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Foreign tourists are allowed to visit Tibet, but must travel in groups and obtain a permit in advance.

Diplomats and foreign journalists require the express approval of Tibet’s local authorities.

Mr Guo, the Chinese ministry spokesman, said: “China welcomes foreigners to visit, travel, and conduct business in Tibet, but they must comply with Chinese laws and relevant regulations.” REUTERS