Biden Takes Limited Action Against Hong Kong Security Law, Disappointing Activists But Avoiding China Clash
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The U.S. has denounced Hong Kong's new national security law but so far taken limited action, disappointing democracy advocates. Steps taken include visa restrictions on unnamed Hong Kong officials.
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In 2020, the U.S. responded more forcefully to Beijing's security crackdown, sanctioning top Hong Kong officials and revoking trade privileges. The muted response now suggests the Biden administration doesn't want to disrupt U.S.-China relations in an election year.
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The new law expands Hong Kong's powers to target dissidents but its vague language means impacts remain to be seen. The U.S. may be calibrating its response accordingly.
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President Biden raised Hong Kong in an April call with President Xi, who defended the law as upholding China's sovereignty.
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Congress has stalled on bills related to Hong Kong's trade status and sanctioning security officials. Advocacy groups are urging more robust U.S. actions like sanctions and asylum for dissidents.