US sanctions 4 Chinese nationals for undermining Hong Kong's autonomy

US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said that  United States on Monday, vember 9, h imposed sanctions on four Chinese nationals for implementing national security law in Hong Kong and undermining automy of region. In its updated Sanctions list, OFAC said: “ following [HK-EO13936] entries have been ded to OFAC's SDN List: DENG, Zhonghua, LAU, Edwina, LI, Jiangzhou, LI, Steve Kwai-wah”. national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong criminalises any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. It can le to punishment of up to lifetime in prison. 

Re: Hong Kong Police Detain Journalist Over Programme Based On Yuen Long Station Attack

US protects automy of Hong Kong

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a press statement said, “ People's Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong-based officials continue to dismantle promised automy and freedoms of Hong Kong through politically motivated arrests. Today, US Department of State is designating four PRC and Hong Kong officials in connection with implementing PRC-imposed National Security Law and threatening peace, security, and automy of Hong Kong, pursuant to Executive Order 13936”. According to Pompeo's statement, Li Jiangzhou works as Deputy Director of Office for Safeguarding National Security. Edwina Lau is he of National Security Division of Hong Kong Police Force and Steve Li Kwai-Wah is Senior Superintendent. 

Pompeo furr said, “ditionally, this action designates Deng Zhonghua, Deputy Director of Hong Kong & Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO). HKMAO - one of central government's primary offices on Hong Kong policy - has taken several actions to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and crackdown on protestors”. After sanctions, guilty will be barred from United States. Also, all ir assets, in possession of US will be blocked. 

Re: Biden's Win Could 'pop Bubble' Created By Trump To Restore US-China Relations: State Media

Pompeo said, “se actions underscore US resolve to hold accountable key figures that are actively eviscerating freedoms of people of Hong Kong and undermining Hong Kong's automy. United States calls on Beijing to abide by international commitments it me in Si - British Joint Declaration, a UN-registered treaty”. Pompeo also took to Twitter and said that US has taken action against those who have undermined automy of Hong Kong. 

Re: China, Iran Join Queue To Scrutinize US At UN Rights Body

Also Re: EU Puts Tariffs On US But Hopes For Change With Biden

(Im Credits: AP) (Inputs from ANI)