March 31, 2025 — The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation welcomes today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of State imposing targeted sanctions on six Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and democratic freedoms.

The newly sanctioned individuals—Sonny AU Chi Kwong (區志光), DONG Jingwei (董經緯), Dick WONG Chung Chun (王忠巡), Margaret CHIU Wing Lan (趙詠蘭), Raymond SIU Chak Yee (蕭澤頤), and Paul LAM Ting Kwok (林定國)—are senior figures involved in enforcing Beijing’s repressive national security policies in Hong Kong. They have played direct roles in eroding the rule of law and prosecuting peaceful dissent through the development and implementation of the National Security Law, and have engaged in transnational repression, including the placement of bounties on 19 pro-democracy activists.

This is the first time since July 2021 that the U.S. has sanctioned Hong Kong or Chinese officials in response to the worsening situation in the city. To date, the U.S. has sanctioned a total of 48 senior officials, including Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and predecessors of those named today, for their involvement in suppressing the pro-democracy movement and violating the “One Country, Two Systems” commitment.

Over the past several years, the CFHK Foundation has worked closely with the administration, Congressional allies, and civil society partners to advocate for targeted sanctions on individuals complicit in political persecution in Hong Kong. This includes not only top-level officials but also judges and prosecutors who have played central roles in jailing peaceful protesters, silencing journalists, and criminalizing dissent.

The CFHK Foundation strongly supports bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Young Kim (R-CA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), which seeks to expand U.S. sanctions to include members of the Hong Kong judiciary and others complicit in undermining freedoms in the city. We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing this critical legislation to reinforce U.S. leadership in defending human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Frances Hui, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at the CFHK Foundation, said:
“We commend the State Department for sending a clear message that repression will not go unanswered. The officials named today are directly responsible for enforcing draconian policies, imprisoning pro-democracy activists, and expanding their persecution across borders by placing bounties on those of us forced into exile—including myself. Many of us have endured relentless pressure and threats through transnational repression. It truly means a great deal to see the U.S. taking the lead in holding accountable the officials who orchestrated these actions. I hope today’s action marks the beginning of a sustained effort to hold perpetrators accountable, including not only top officials, but also the judges and prosecutors at all levels who have played key roles in silencing dissent. We also call on other democratic allies to follow suit and take meaningful steps to confront repression and support the people of Hong Kong.”