US announces visa curbs on Chinese officials for hurting Hong Kong autonomy

The US-China ties have worsened since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States.

The United States on Friday announced imposing visa restrictions on officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), accusing them of undermining human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the move, saying he was carrying out President Donald Trump's orders.

Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on current and former CCP officials who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, as guaranteed in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration or undermining human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, Pompeo said.

Family members of such persons