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Hong Kong politics
Hong KongPolitics

US likely to be in ‘wait-and-see mode’ over new Hong Kong security law before considering any sanctions, says former Biden Senate aide

  • Frank Jannuzi says Hong Kong should celebrate what makes the city special to convince Americans that it is different from the rest of China
  • Veteran China watcher was East Asia policy director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1997 to 2012

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Frank Jannuzi says Hong Kong remains a “valuable bridge” between the US and its understanding of the rest of China. Photo: Edmond So
Kahon Chan
Washington is likely to be in wait-and-see mode over how Hong Kong implements the new domestic national security legislation before considering whether to slap new sanctions on the city, a former Senate aide of US President Joe Biden has said.
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Frank Jannuzi, president and CEO of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation think tank, also said on Thursday that Hong Kong should exercise “the muscles” that kept it special, such as its inclusivity and willingness to have robust debates, to convince Americans it was different from the rest of China.

Jannuzi was East Asia policy director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1997 to 2012, while then senator Biden chaired the panel from 2001 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2009. He remains an influential China policy expert within the Democratic Party.

The fast-tracked Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which came into force last Saturday, has triggered fresh calls from the US Congress for new sanctions to be slapped on city officials and Hong Kong trade offices in the US to be stripped of special privileges.

Frank Jannuzi (left) speaks at a “fireside chat” with ex-commerce secretary Edward Yau Tang-wah at the University of Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So
Frank Jannuzi (left) speaks at a “fireside chat” with ex-commerce secretary Edward Yau Tang-wah at the University of Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

But Jannuzi noted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not hint at any new sanctions in a statement issued the day before the new law’s enactment, expressing only “deep concern” and pledging to “stand with” the people of Hong Kong.

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