US considering new sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials

Senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials could face US sanctions over a new law that disqualified four democratic lawmakers for 'lack of patriotism', which has prompted the announcement of the collective resignation of Hong Kong's pro-democracy body.  

The new measure, adopted by China's top legislature on Wednesday, targets anyone who supports Hong Kong independence, violates the national security law (also imposed by China), refuses to recognize Beijing's sovereignty over Hong Kong, and seeks the help of 'foreign countries and foreign forces to interfere in the region's internal affairs' - or commits 'other acts that endanger national security'.

An official statement stated that Hong Kong should be led by 'patriots'.

As a reminder, the measure was applied in practice almost immediately - four prominent pro-democracy lawmakers were disqualified, preventing them from participating in the upcoming elections, which were also postponed to next year without explanation. Before their disqualification, this quartet had promised to block new legislation if they won a majority, which explains China's motive to strip them of that power in time.

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien accused China of 'deliberately violating' international agreements and threatened new sanctions for 'all those responsible for suppressing freedoms in Hong Kong'.

He emphasized that the 'one country, two systems' concept is now a mere 'fig leaf' with which the 'Chinese Communist Party is covering up a one-party dictatorship in Hong Kong'.  

Members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, and his Democratic colleague Senator Jeff Merkley, stated that democracy in Hong Kong is 'fighting for air' and that there will be 'consequences'.

The governments of Germany and Austria also condemned China's move, while Australia's Foreign Minister called on the Chinese Legislative Council to 'exercise its mandate as the primary forum for the general expression of political views'.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also joined the condemnations, stating that the removal of pro-democracy lawmakers represents 'another attack on Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and freedoms' under the joint declaration.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, known for enforcing Chinese policy in Hong Kong, was not disturbed by the fact that another 15 lawmakers resigned in protest of the quartet's dismissal. She commented to the media: 'We actually prefer it when laws are introduced more efficiently - without opposition'.