US preparing new sanctions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong

The United States is gearing up to impose sanctions on a number of Chinese officials for what Washington claims to be their role in Beijing’s disqualification of elected opposition legislators in Hong Kong.

According to Press TV, last month, Hong Kong disqualified four opposition lawmakers after the Chinese parliament adopted a resolution authorizing the city to expel legislators deemed dangerous to national security.

Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, Kwok Ka-ki, Kenneth Leung, and Dennis Kwok were disqualified from continuing in their capacity as city legislators, shortly after China’s parliament had allowed authorities to unseat those lawmakers who seek secession or invite foreign interference.

Citing three sources, including a US official familiar with the matter, Reuters said Monday the targets of the sanctions include officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Asset freezes and financial sanctions are among the measures which are likely to target up to 14 people, including officials of China’s parliament, or National People’s Congress, and members of the CCP, two sources said.

The US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said multiple individuals would be sanctioned, with a person familiar with the matter noting the group would likely include officials from both Hong Kong and the mainland.

China has previously lambasted the United States for its “interference” in the domestic affairs of Hong Kong, China’s global financial hub city.

ME