US hits four more officials over Hong Kong freedoms

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on four more officials accused of curbing freedoms in Hong Kong, vowing accountability over China’s clampdown in the city.

Edwina Lau, head of the National Security Division of the Hong Kong Police Force, was among the officials who will be barred from traveling to the United States and whose US-based assets, if any, will be frozen.

us sanctions li kwai wah edwina lau li jiangzhou deng zhonghua — From left to right: Steve Li Kwai Wah, Edwina Lau, Li Jiangzhou, Deng Zhonghua Photo: Internet.

“These actions underscore US resolve to hold accountable key figures that are actively eviscerating the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong and undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

Other officials hit by sanctions Monday include Li Jiangzhou, deputy director of a Hong Kong office for “safeguarding national security.”

Today we are taking action against four Chinese and Hong Kong-based officials in connection with policies and actions that have undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy, eroded the rule of law, and stifled dissent through politically motivated arrests. #StandWithHongKong
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 9, 2020

The United States has already imposed similar sanctions on Hong Kong’s top leader, Carrie Lam, who is an ally of Beijing.

Lam has tried to downplay the impact but acknowledged that she had trouble with a credit card after the sanctions.

The US pressure comes after China forged ahead with a tough security law that bars subversion in the financial hub, which has witnessed major pro-democracy protests.