Beijing– During a December 10 meeting with Deputy Secretary General of National People’s Congress Standing Committee Hu Xiaoli, Chargé d’Affaires Robert Forden reiterated the United States’ deep concerns over Beijing’s ongoing assault against the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people guaranteed to them in the Sino-UK Joint Declaration. He emphasized that many countries, not just the United States, are deeply troubled by the erosion of freedoms and rights in Hong Kong and by China’s actions that have undermined the autonomy promised Hong Kong under the Joint Declaration.
On December 7, the United States designated 14 Vice-Chairpersons of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee in connection with developing, adopting, or implementing the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The designations mean the 14 individuals and their immediate family members will be barred from travelling to the United States. Their assets within the jurisdiction of the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons will be blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.