Washington – April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State made public new sanctions against six officials from Beijing plus Hong Kong. They pointed to their actions, which weakened Hong Kong’s independence but also included repression across borders.
Going after Those Causing Repression
According to the State Department, five people facing sanctions lead or work in the Hong Kong government. They put in place rules that weaken the city’s independence. The sixth person faces sanctions for helping to enforce the debated National Security Law. It faced heavy criticism for stopping political disagreement.
A Promise to Hold People Accountable
These steps happen at the same time as the release of the Hong Kong Policy Act Report to Congress. It strengthens the government’s view to hold those responsible for stopping freedoms in Hong Kong accountable. It also addresses people who carry out acts of repression on U.S. soil or against U.S. persons.
Legal Reason for Sanctions
Sanctions got put in place under Executive Order 13936. It fits with the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, together with the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020. These laws give the legal base for U.S. actions against groups with individuals that limit Hong Kong’s freedoms.
The U.S. government keeps criticizing actions that lessen Hong Kong’s independence – they break the rights of its people. In that way, the U.S. strengthens its promise to protect democracy or human rights in the area.
Source: U.S. Department of State l Marco Rubio, Secretary of State l Press Statement l March 31, 2025
