Hong Kong condemns, rejects US visa sanctions against its officials

By Anadolu staff

Hong Kong on Saturday condemned and rejected the US Hong Kong Policy Act Report and visa sanctions against its officials and called it an interference in its internal affairs.

In a statement, the Hong Kong government said it strongly condemns and rejects the US report and Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement and said Washington is attempting to undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

"The so-called 'sanctions' arbitrarily imposed by the US as mentioned in the so-called report, and the so-called 'visa restrictions' claimed to be imposed in the relevant statement, smack of despicable political manipulation to intimidate the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) officials safeguarding national security," it said.

"These grossly interfere in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, and violate the international law and the basic norms governing international relations," said the statement, published on the government website.

On Friday, the US announced it is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials responsible for the “intensifying crackdown on rights and freedoms” in the Chinese-ruled territory.

In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of actions against Hong Kong’s promised high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and rights and freedoms, including the recent enactment of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law.