US President Joe Biden has signed legislation extending the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 for another five years. The Act authorizes sanctions on key Chinese officials and authority figures, justified by violations of Hong Kong’s autonomy and the suppression of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.
The legislation is included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the budget and U.S. military policy for the upcoming fiscal year. Alongside the extension of the Hong Kong Act, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act and the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act were also renewed.
Hong Kong and Beijing have condemned the U.S. sanctions, warning Washington that such measures are ultimately detrimental to the United States itself. They argue that the sanctions risk undermining the longstanding trade relationship between the U.S. and Hong Kong.
The severity of U.S. sanctions is reinforced by the dominant influence of the U.S. dollar in the global financial system. Individuals targeted by these measures face both financial restrictions and travel bans, amplifying the impact of the sanctions.
Hong Kong’s current Chief Security Officer, Carrie Lam, has stated that she evaded U.S. sanctions by receiving her salary in cash and keeping it at her residence.
In addition to the above, the U.S. State Department announced further sanctions in November, primarily focusing on visa restrictions.
The decision to impose these measures was made by the U.S. after 45 opposition representatives were arrested in Hong Kong on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.
In response, China is imposing sanctions on American individuals whose actions (concerning Hong Kong) it deems unfavorable.
