United States imposes sanctions on six pro-China officials over Hong Kong mass arrests
- Among those hit by sanctions was Tam Yiu-chung, the Hong Kong delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee
- Three Hong Kong security officials were also hit by the sanctions, which restrict any US transactions with them
The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on six officials including Hong Kong’s sole representative to China’s top lawmaking body over mass arrests of pro-democracy activists in the financial hub.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in the latest in a slew of sanctions imposed in the final days of his term and following political violence in Washington, called the crackdown in Hong Kong “appalling”.
“We condemn PRC actions that erode Hong Kong’s freedoms and democratic processes and will continue to use all tools at our disposable to hold those responsible to account,” Pompeo said in a statement.
Among those hit by sanctions was Tam Yiu-chung, the Hong Kong delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, and You Quan, the vice-chairman of the Chinese government group that handles policy toward Hong Kong and fellow former colony Macau.
Three Hong Kong security officials were also hit by the sanctions, which restrict any US transactions with them.
