The United States imposes sanctions on six Chinese security officials and Hong Kong

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The United States has imposed sanctions on senior Chinese security officials and Hong Kong for national repression and ventilated the independence of the region, in a major step against the Trump administration.

Washington has set the sanctions on six officials, including a commissioner Hong Kong Police force, in response to China’s campaign against pro -democracy activists in the region.

On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that officials in Beijing and Hong Kong “used Hong Kong National Security Laws abroad to intimidate, silence, and harass 19 supporters of democracy who were forced to flee abroad, including an American citizen and four other United States residents.”

Foreign Minister Marco Rubio said in a statement that the six were punished because of their “role or officials in the Hong Kong government that participated in actions or policies that led to the deterioration of the independence of national rule in Hong Kong, including in terms of national repression by nationalism that target individuals residing in the United States”, and for their roles in developing and implementing national national lands.

The law imposes life imprisonment for treason and increases judgments on crimes such as sedition. Fears have fueled this Civil freedoms are eroded China also exercises more control over the region. Hong Kong has struggled to reform her global reputation since Beijing began in the campaign campaign.

Individuals targeted by the United States are all security or police officials, including Dong Jingoy, a prominent figure in the Ministry of Security in China, the Civil Intelligence Organization in the country, and Raymond Seo, the Hong Kong Police Force Commissioner. Others are Sonny Au, Dick Wong, Margaret Chiu and Paul LAM.

The Trump administration’s step comes a day before the so -called mutual tariffs on countries around the world, when an additional tariff is expected to be imposed on Beijing.

Since President Donald Trump took office, 20 percent imposed on goods from China, which the White House said was aimed at pressure on Beijing to take strict measures on companies that made the components of fentanel.

Monday penalties come after the administration is placed Dozens of Chinese entities in the black export list In an attempt to slow China’s ability to develop advanced artificial intelligence chips, high -end weapons and military technology.

The new penalties are taken as the administration stopped during the first Trump presidency. At the end of his first term in 2021, the president took a series of measures against China, including the sanctions against senior Chinese officials in response to the Hong Kong Democratic campaign.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.