US Sanctions Chinese Officials for Human Rights Abuses

Six Chinese and Hong Kong Officials Sanctioned by US

​On March 31, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on six senior Chinese and Hong Kong officials, accusing them of engaging in transnational repression and undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy. This action marks one of the initial moves by the Trump administration to address China’s crackdown on pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong.

The sanctioned individuals include:​

• Paul Lam, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice​
• Dong Jingwei, Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security​
• Raymond Siu, Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police Force
• Sonny Au Chi-kwong, Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security​
• Dick Wong Chun-chung, Assistant Commissioner of Police, National Security​
• Margaret Chiu Wing-lan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, National Security

These officials are accused of using Hong Kong’s National Security Law to intimidate, detain, and imprison activists, including those who have fled overseas. The sanctions block any property these individuals may have in the U.S. and prohibit U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions with them.

The Chinese government has condemned the sanctions as interference in its internal affairs and has vowed to retaliate. Hong Kong officials also criticized the move, defending their actions as necessary for maintaining the city’s stability.

These sanctions are part of a broader U.S. strategy to hold Chinese authorities accountable for human rights violations in Hong Kong and Tibet. The U.S. State Department emphasized its commitment to promoting accountability for those depriving Hong Kong citizens of their rights and freedoms.

This development further strains U.S.-China relations, already tense due to disputes over trade tariffs, Taiwan, and other geopolitical issues.