The United States on Monday slapped sanctions against 14 Chinese officials for undermining the autonomy of Hong Kong.
The sanctions were imposed against individuals are all members of China's National People's Congress, according to the US State Department.
US State Secretary Michael Pompeo, in a statement, said that Beijing's "unrelenting" assault against Hong Kong's democratic processes has gutted its Legislative Council, rendering the body a rubber stamp devoid of mengful opposition.
"One aspect of that assault has been the actions of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), which have effectively neutered the ability of the people of Hong Kong to choose their elected representatives in keeping with the Joint Declaration and Basic Law. These actions demonstrate once again Beijing's complete disregard for its international commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a U.N.-registered treaty," the statement read.
"Today, the Department of State is holding accountable those responsible for these brazen acts. We are designating 14 Vice-Chairpersons of the NPCSC 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 statement read.
The NPCSC voted unmously to adopt the National Security Law that Beijing has used repeatedly to stifle dissent and arrest those who protest Beijing's oppressive policies, it added.
These 14 individuals are Wang Chen, Cao Jianming, Zhang Chunxian, Shen Yueyue, Ji Bingxuan, Arken Imirbaki, Wan Exiang, Chen Du, Wang Dongming, Padma Choling, Ding Zhongli, Hao Mingjin, Cai Dafeng, and Wu Weihua.
Under the designation, the 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 US persons will be blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.
Pompeo said: "Our actions today underscore that the United States will continue to work with our allies and partners to hold Beijing accountable for undermining Hong Kong's promised autonomy."
The United States again urges Beijing to abide by its international commitments and to heed the voices of many countries, which have condemned its actions, he added.
( With inputs from ANI )
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