US Democrats rebuke Trump for easing sanctions on Beijing, Hong Kong officials

Several top US Democratic lawmakers have expressed serious concern over President Donald Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials, accusing them of being "complicit in Beijing's dismantling of Hong Kong's autonomy." This decision, which took effect on July 14, removed nine of the 48 previously sanctioned officials from the list, including several top security officials and Justice Secretary Paul Lam Ting-kwok.

The lawmakers argue that this change raises serious questions about the durability of US policy towards Hong Kong and warrants a direct response from the administration. They also point out that the national emergency status, which underpins the executive order, has been renewed annually since 2020, and that the situation in Hong Kong continues to pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to US national security, foreign policy, and economic interests.

Brief written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.