Washington sanctions Hong Kong leaders, further escalation with Beijing

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2 min

The United States is implementing new sanctions against China and its security recovery in Hong Kong. This time, Hong Kong officials are targeted, starting with Carrie Lam, the head of the local executive.

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With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

In total, 11 Hong Kong leaders are in Washington's sights. Topping the list was chief executive Carrie Lam, who had championed China's national security law as a crucial tool to end chaos in the former British colony.

Among those responsible also, the police chiefs, the secretary of security and that of justice. All are accused of helping China to restrict the autonomy of the territory and limit the freedoms of its inhabitants. "  Unacceptable acts  ," says Steve Mnuchin. The US Treasury Secretary clarified that these new sanctions include the seizure of the property of Hong Kong leaders in the United States.

Ultimatum to TikTok and WeChat

This is the first time that Washington has directly targeted those responsible for the former British territory. A hardening of tone and a further escalation in the tensions between the United States and China. Already Thursday, President Trump had signed an executive order setting an ultimatum to TikTok and WeChat , two applications owned by Chinese companies. They could be banned in 45 days unless they are bought out by American companies.

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• United States
• China
• Hong Kong

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