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Trump signs executive order to impose sanctions over Hong Kong

The document envisages individual sanctions and cancellation of certain US trade and economic preferences for Hong Kong

© AP Photo/Alex Brandon

WASHINGTON, July 15. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose sanctions over the situation in Hong Kong.

The document, released by the White House on Tuesday, freezes "all property and interests in property that are in the United States" of foreign citizens, who, according to the US government, "have been involved, directly or indirectly, in the coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning of individuals" under the Hong Kong national security bill or were involved "in developing, adopting, or implementing" the legislation.

The asset freeze is also envisaged for individuals involved in actions or policies "that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Hong Kong," "threaten the peace, security, stability, or autonomy of Hong Kong." It also targets those involved in media censorship, arbitrary arrests, torture and other human rights violations.

The executive order also envisages cancellation of US trade and economic preferences for Hong Kong.

It also indicates US intention to suspend several intergovernmental agreements, including on extradition of criminals.

On June 30, the Chinese lawmakers adopted a law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. This legislative act seeks to prevent such actions as separatism, terrorism, undermining of the central power and conspiracy with foreign anti-Chinese powers. Special agencies are formed in Hong Kong that are not subordinate to the Hong Kong administration. Such development sparked criticism from certain Western nations, who believe that it violates the Hong Kong autonomy.

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