The US government has placed sanctions on six senior officials from China and Hong Kong for their role in suppressing pro-democracy activists. The sanctions come as part of efforts to hold Beijing accountable for its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong.

According to the US State Department, Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have used national security laws to intimidate and silence 19 activists who fled overseas. Among them is a US citizen and four other US residents.

The sanctions target individuals responsible for policies that threaten Hong Kong’s autonomy. They also address cases of “transnational repression,” where activists are pursued beyond Hong Kong’s borders.

Western nations have repeatedly criticized China for using the national security law to jail activists, shut down independent media, and dismantle civil society groups. However, Beijing defends the law, saying it has restored stability after the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

The sanctions block any US-based assets and financial transactions of the six officials. One of them, Dong Jingwei, previously served as China’s top counter-intelligence official and is now in charge of Hong Kong’s national security office. Others include Paul Lam, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice, and security officials Sonny Au, Dick Wong, Margaret Chiu, and Raymond Siu.

China has strongly condemned the sanctions, calling them a “despicable” act that aims to disrupt Hong Kong’s stability. The Hong Kong government also criticized the US, calling its actions an example of “hegemonic barbarity.”

Despite Beijing’s objections, the US continues to push back against policies that restrict freedoms in Hong Kong, sending a strong message against political repression.