Bipartisan Senators Introduce Bill Seeking Sanctions Against Hong Kong Officials
A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation requiring the Trump administration to address Hong Kong's dwindling freedoms since its handover from the United Kingdom to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), incoming chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC); Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chair of the CECC; and John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act (
The legislation requires the president to review whether 49 Hong Kong officials, including four who were
'The Chinese Communist Party's aggressive repression of dissent and appalling human rights record extend far beyond China's borders. Even American citizens and others lawfully living in our country have found themselves victims of the CCP regime's intimidation and coercion tactics,' Sullivan
'In Hong Kong, the CCP has completely corrupted the local judiciary and is turning it into a tool of intimidation and injustice, contrary to the promises made to the world, including in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. America must stand firmly against the CCP's flagrant violation of the civil rights of the Chinese people and citizens of nations across the globe.'
The push for the legislation comes nearly four years since the CCP imposed its so-called
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As of Nov. 1, 2024, 304 had been arrested for national security offenses in Hong Kong, while 176 were charged and at least 167 convicted or awaiting sentencing, the British government stated in a
The U.S.
Another judge named in the bill, Esther Toh, is
Antony Chau, a Hong Kong government prosecutor
Also on the bill's list are Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, who was the city's secretary for security when he was
'As Chinese officials continue to undermine the autonomy and freedoms of its peoples, the United States must continue to hold these officials accountable,' Merkley said in a statement.
'Republicans and Democrats are united in sending a clear message that we will not tolerate this brutal oppression, both within China and outside its borders.
A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government issued a statement condemning the U.S. senators, saying the city government 'despises any so-called 'sanctions' and shall never be intimidated.'
The D.C.-based Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation welcomed the senators' effort.
'The U.S. government should implement Magnitsky and other sanctions on these Chinese and Hong Kong officials whom we know are engaging in repression against the people of Hong Kong,' Jonathan Stivers, U.S. director of the CFHK Foundation, said in a
Stivers added that the Senate and the House should 'act on this legislation as soon as possible.'
A similar bill, named the Hong Kong Sanctions Act (
Separately, the three senators have also introduced a
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