Amidst the corridors of Washington, the United States unveiled its declaration on Friday to instate novel visa constraints on numerous dignitaries hailing from Hong Kong, in direct retaliation to the persistent quashing of rights and liberties in the region governed by China.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, articulated in a proclamation the consistent encroachment by China upon Hong Kong’s pledged autonomy, democratic frameworks, and essential freedoms throughout the preceding year. This encompasses the recent enactment of a fresh national security statute dubbed as Article 23.
“In the elapsed year, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has persisted in its endeavors against Hong Kong’s vowed high level of self-governance, democratic setups, and rights and freedoms. This encompasses the recent promulgation of legislation under Article 23 of the Fundamental Law by the Hong Kong authorities, which features extensive and ambiguously outlined provisions concerning ‘sedition’, ‘state secrets,’ and dealings with foreign entities,” articulated Blinken in an official statement.
“These clauses could serve to quell dissent within Hong Kong and be extended beyond its borders as a constituent of the PRC’s continuous endeavor of global suppression,” appended the statement.
“In reaction, the Department of State proclaims its intent to instigate fresh visa constraints on numerous Hong Kong officials accountable for the escalating crackdown on rights and freedoms, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,” further pronounced Blinken.
The statement refrained from specifying the particular officials who would fall within the purview of these novel constraints. This declaration trails a preceding US legislative enactment in November, which advocated for sanctions against 49 Hong Kong officials, adjudicators, and prosecutors embroiled in national security litigations. Hong Kong officials censured this enactment, denouncing US lawmakers for ostentation and endeavors to intimidate the metropolis.
Within the roster of dignitaries named in the previous Hong Kong Sanctions Act were Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, Police Chief Raymond Siu, and a handful of magistrates including Andrew Cheung, Andrew Chan, Johnny Chan, Alex Lee, Esther Toh, and Amanda Woodcock. The United States had formerly imposed visa constraints and other punitive measures on Hong Kong officials accused of undermining freedoms and has declared the cessation of the special economic privileges that Hong Kong had long relished under US legislation.
