The United States has once again expanded its sanctions list, this time targeting six more Hong Kong and Chinese officials for their unwavering service in suppressing dissent. These devoted enforcers of the National Security Law (NSL) have now earned a prestigious spot alongside their predecessors, cementing their status as Peking’s most loyal guardians of “stability.”
Who Are These Newly Honoured “Patriots”?
The latest batch of sanctioned officials includes:
• Paul Lam (Secretary for Justice) – The man who has perfected the art of redefining “justice” to mean punishing anyone who dares to think differently.
• Eric Chan (Chief Secretary for Administration) – The loyal bureaucrat who ensures that Peking’s orders are carried out with absolute obedience, regardless of their impact on Hongkongers.
• Raymond Siu (Commissioner of Police) – Leading a police force that now specialises in silencing journalists and monitoring social media for politically incorrect thoughts.
• Wang Zhongxun & Zhao Yonglan (Assistant Police Commissioners) – Enforcing “law and order” by ensuring that even peaceful vigils are a threat to national security.
• Dong Jingwei (Head of Peking’s National Security Office in Hong Kong) – The direct overseer of Peking’s grip on Hong Kong, making sure the city remains firmly under control.
These officials will now find their US-based assets frozen and their ability to do business with American entities cut off. No more transatlantic investments, no more Ivy League education for their children—just the price of being a true patriot.
An Ever-Growing List of “Loyal Servants”
They now join a distinguished list of at least 17 other Hong Kong officials previously sanctioned by the US, including:
• John Lee (Chief Executive) – The city’s top enforcer of the NSL, whose only response to criticism is to repeat the phrase “national security” like a broken record.
• Chris Tang (Secretary for Security) – The man who redefined public order by criminalising candles and songs.
• Carrie Lam (Former Chief Executive) – Once the most powerful woman in Hong Kong, now best remembered for complaining that she can’t use a credit card due to US sanctions.
What Are the Consequences of These Sanctions?
For those sanctioned, the immediate consequences include:
• Financial Restrictions – Any assets they hold in US banks are frozen, and they are barred from conducting transactions with American financial institutions. Given Hong Kong’s reliance on international banking, this makes life significantly more inconvenient.
• Travel Bans – Many countries, including the US, may refuse entry to sanctioned individuals or impose strict visa restrictions. That means fewer luxurious overseas holidays, though Peking might offer them a patriotic staycation instead.
• Impact on Family Members – While the sanctions directly target the officials, their family members often face difficulties accessing foreign education, financial services, and investment opportunities. That prestigious Western education for their children? It might just be out of reach now.
• Reputational Damage – Despite official denials, being sanctioned by a major global power is hardly a badge of honour in international circles. It signals that they are part of a government deemed oppressive, making it harder for them to operate beyond China’s sphere of influence.
Official Reactions: The Usual Script
Unsurprisingly, the Hong Kong government has responded with outrage, calling the sanctions “bullying” and “foreign interference.” Officials insist that Hong Kong is “freer than ever” despite the mass arrests, media shutdowns, and daily crackdowns on speech.
Peking, as expected, has vowed “strong countermeasures.” Whether this means more symbolic counter-sanctions against American politicians or another angry editorial in state media remains to be seen.
What This Means for Hongkongers in the UK
For Hongkongers in the UK, these sanctions are yet another reminder of why they left. As their home city transforms into a police state, those abroad watch with a mix of sadness and relief—knowing they no longer have to worry about whether a Facebook post will lead to their arrest.
Meanwhile, back in Hong Kong, these newly sanctioned officials may find themselves celebrated as national heroes by state media. Perhaps one day, they’ll even receive medals for their contributions to dismantling freedoms. After all, in today’s Hong Kong, the more rights you take away, the higher you climb.
