The US Department of State has imposed sanctions on six Beijing and Hong Kong authorities for their role in undermining the autonomy of Hong Kong. The measures, taken pursuant to Executive Order 13936, target individuals and entities responsible for degrading Hong Kong's autonomy and engaging in transnational repression against residents in the United States.
Among those sanctioned are five individuals who have held leadership or official positions within the Hong Kong government, whose actions or policies have harmed Hong Kong's autonomy. These individuals are also accused of targeting individuals residing in the US, as well as committing acts of transnational repression on American soil or against American persons.
The sanctions action is part of a broader effort by the Trump Administration to hold accountable those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of their protected rights and freedoms. This move demonstrates the administration's commitment to upholding the autonomy of Hong Kong, as enshrined in the US-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992.
The sanctions are authorized under sections 4(a)(iii)(A) and 4(a)(i) of Executive Order 13936, which allows for penalties to be imposed on individuals and entities that threaten Hong Kong's autonomy. The measures are also consistent with the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 and the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020.
The Department of State has released a report outlining the sanctions action, as well as a fact sheet providing more information on the measures taken against these individuals and entities.