Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that US&nbsp;sanctions against her will cause ''inconvenience'' in her personal affairs, but nothing she will take to heart.

Washington had imposed sanctions against senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials for actions it said curtailed political freedoms in the former British colony.

The US&nbsp;Treasury Department singled out Lam for "implementing Beijing's policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes".

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hong-kong-protests-china-timeline-of-hong-kongs-struggle-against-chinese-hegemony-309674">Timeline of Hong Kong's struggle against Chinese hegemony</a>

The sanctions came in response to China's imposition of a sweeping national security law on the semi-autonomous city after prolonged anti-China, pro-democracy protests last year.

The legislation punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison and has drawn criticism from Western countries that worry the law will end the freedoms promised when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-returns-cambridge-fellowship-over-rights-row-320941">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam returns Cambridge fellowship over rights row</a>

The sanctions freeze any US&nbsp;assets of the officials targeted and bar Americans from doing business with them.

Lam said that while she could not travel to the United States herself, her government would continue to promote Hong Kong to US&nbsp;businesses.

The US&nbsp;government has also required goods made in the former British colony for export to the United States to be labelled as made in China after Sept. 25.

Lam said Hong Kong and China were separate WTO members and Hong Kong would lodge a complaint against the U.S. decision.

The Hong Kong government initially denounced the US&nbsp;sanctions as "shameless and despicable" and "blatant and barbaric" interference in China's internal affairs.

Beijing and Lam's government have defended the national security law as necessary for the city's stability and prosperity, and they said imposing it was China's legitimate right.

Asked about the international community's criticism of last week's arrest of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, and the search of his Apple Daily newsroom by some 200 police officers, Lam said she could not comment on individual cases, but warned of "double standards" in concerns expressed by other countries.

She said the government's decision to postpone elections for the city's legislature for a year amid a resurgence in coronavirus cases was criticised by countries that did not level similar criticism of other governments that postponed votes.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that US sanctions against her will cause ''inconvenience'' in her personal affairs, but nothing she will take to heart.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that US sanctions against her will cause ''inconvenience'' in her personal affairs, but nothing she will take to heart. Washington had imposed sanctions against senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials for actions it said curtailed political freedoms in the former British colony. The US Treasury Department singled out Lam for "implementing Beijing's policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes". Also see: Timeline of Hong Kong's struggle against Chinese hegemony The sanctions came in response to China's imposition of a sweeping national security law on the semi-autonomous city after prolonged anti-China, pro-democracy protests last year. The legislation punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison and has drawn criticism from Western countries that worry the law will end the freedoms promised when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Also read: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam returns Cambridge fellowship over rights row The sanctions freeze any US assets of the officials targeted and bar Americans from doing business with them. Lam said that while she could not travel to the United States herself, her government would continue to promote Hong Kong to US businesses. The US government has also required goods made in the former British colony for export to the United States to be labelled as made in China after Sept. 25. Lam said Hong Kong and China were separate WTO members and Hong Kong would lodge a complaint against the U.S. decision. The Hong Kong government initially denounced the US sanctions as "shameless and despicable" and "blatant and barbaric" interference in China's internal affairs. Beijing and Lam's government have defended the national security law as necessary for the city's stability and prosperity, and they said imposing it was China's legitimate right. Asked about the international community's criticism of last week's arrest of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, and the search of his Apple Daily newsroom by some 200 police officers, Lam said she could not comment on individual cases, but warned of "double standards" in concerns expressed by other countries. She said the government's decision to postpone elections for the city's legislature for a year amid a resurgence in coronavirus cases was criticised by countries that did not level similar criticism of other governments that postponed votes.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam calls US sanctions an 'inconvenience'

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been released from police custody, over a day after being detained under a sweeping security law imposed by China.

When Lai left a police station he was swarmed by dozens of cheering supporters, some of whom waved copies of his Apple Daily in a show of support.

A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lais-company-skyrocketed-788-since-his-arrest-319687" hreflang="en">Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai's company skyrocketed 788% since his arrest</a>

The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing.

His arrest came&nbsp;amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula.

The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Hong Kong has since become another source of contention between the United States and China, whose relations were already at their most strained in years over issues including trade, the coronavirus, China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority and its claims in the South China Sea.

Britain said Lai's arrest was further evidence the security law was a "pretext to silence opposition", to which China's embassy replied by urging London to stop "using freedom of the press as an excuse to discredit" the law.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been released from police custody, over a day after being detained under a sweeping security law imposed by China. When Lai left a police station he was swarmed by dozens of cheering supporters, some of whom waved copies of his Apple Daily in a show of support.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been released from police custody, over a day after being detained under a sweeping security law imposed by China. When Lai left a police station he was swarmed by dozens of cheering supporters, some of whom waved copies of his Apple Daily in a show of support. A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts. Also read: Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai's company skyrocketed 788% since his arrest The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing. His arrest came amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula. The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms. Hong Kong has since become another source of contention between the United States and China, whose relations were already at their most strained in years over issues including trade, the coronavirus, China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority and its claims in the South China Sea. Britain said Lai's arrest was further evidence the security law was a "pretext to silence opposition", to which China's embassy replied by urging London to stop "using freedom of the press as an excuse to discredit" the law.

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory's current and former police chiefs and eight other officials for their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory.

The sanctions were imposed under an executive order US&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed last month to punish China for its moves against dissent in Hong Kong and are the latest action by his administration against Beijing in the run-up to his November re-election bid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-arms-sales-to-taiwan-violates-one-china-principle-china-318830" hreflang="en">US arms sales to Taiwan violates 'One China' principle: China</a>

As well as Lam, the sanctions target Hong Kong Police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo; John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's secretary of security, and Teresa Cheng, the justice secretary, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department said in a statement.

It said Beijing's imposition of draconian national security legislation had undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and allowed mainland security services to operate with impunity, "setting the groundwork for censorship of any individuals or outlets that are deemed unfriendly to China."

"Carrie Lam is the chief executive directly responsible for implementing Beijing’s policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes," it said.

“The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and we will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy,” Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-political-manipulation-over-tiktok-wechat-ban-318816" hreflang="en">China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban</a>

The sanctions freeze any US&nbsp;asset of the officials and generally bar Americans from doing business with them.

Tensions between the United States and China have been increasing daily. China's foreign ministry said on Friday it firmly opposes executive orders that Trump announced this week to ban US&nbsp;transactions with the Chinese owners of the WeChat and TikTok apps.

Last month, Carrie Lam postponed a Sept. 6 election to Hong Kong's legislature by a year because of a rise in coronavirus cases, dealing a blow to the pro-democracy opposition that had hoped to make huge gains.

The United States condemned the action, saying it was the latest example of Beijing undermining democracy in the Chinese-ruled territory.

A source familiar with the matter said US&nbsp;deliberations on the sanctions intensified after the election postponement.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory's current and former police chiefs and eight other officials for their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory's current and former police chiefs and eight other officials for their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory. The sanctions were imposed under an executive order US President Donald Trump signed last month to punish China for its moves against dissent in Hong Kong and are the latest action by his administration against Beijing in the run-up to his November re-election bid. Also read: US arms sales to Taiwan violates 'One China' principle: China As well as Lam, the sanctions target Hong Kong Police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo; John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's secretary of security, and Teresa Cheng, the justice secretary, the US Treasury Department said in a statement. It said Beijing's imposition of draconian national security legislation had undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and allowed mainland security services to operate with impunity, "setting the groundwork for censorship of any individuals or outlets that are deemed unfriendly to China." "Carrie Lam is the chief executive directly responsible for implementing Beijing’s policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes," it said. “The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and we will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy,” Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. Also read: China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban The sanctions freeze any US asset of the officials and generally bar Americans from doing business with them. Tensions between the United States and China have been increasing daily. China's foreign ministry said on Friday it firmly opposes executive orders that Trump announced this week to ban US transactions with the Chinese owners of the WeChat and TikTok apps. Last month, Carrie Lam postponed a Sept. 6 election to Hong Kong's legislature by a year because of a rise in coronavirus cases, dealing a blow to the pro-democracy opposition that had hoped to make huge gains. The United States condemned the action, saying it was the latest example of Beijing undermining democracy in the Chinese-ruled territory. A source familiar with the matter said US deliberations on the sanctions intensified after the election postponement.

US imposes sanctions on Hong Kong's Lam, other officials over crackdown

Chinese foreign ministry criticized France on Tuesday&nbsp;after Paris announced the suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

"The erroneous remarks and actions concerning Hong Kong made by France are interfering with China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes to this," said Wang Wenbin, the spokesman of Chinese foreign ministry in a daily news briefing.

France said on Monday&nbsp;it would not ratify a 2017 extradition treaty with Hong Kong after China introduced a controversial national security law for the global financial hub.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-suspends-extradition-agreement-with-new-zealand-317843" hreflang="en">Now, China suspends extradition agreement with New Zealand</a>

"In view of the latest developments, France will not proceed as it stands with the ratification of the extradition agreement signed on May 4, 2017 between France and the Hong Kong Special Administrative region," a French Foreign Ministry statement said.

It said the national security law for Hong Kong was "a change that compromises the inherited framework of the 1997 handover" to China from British rule, and also challenged the “one country, two systems” principle, respect for Hong Kong’s “high degree of autonomy” and "related fundamental freedoms".

New Zealand, Canada, Britain, Australia and Germany have already suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong since the security law was introduced in June.

Chinese foreign ministry criticized France on Tuesday after Paris announced the suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong. "The erroneous remarks and actions concerning Hong Kong made by France are interfering with China's internal affairs.

Chinese foreign ministry criticized France on Tuesday after Paris announced the suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong. "The erroneous remarks and actions concerning Hong Kong made by France are interfering with China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes to this," said Wang Wenbin, the spokesman of Chinese foreign ministry in a daily news briefing. France said on Monday it would not ratify a 2017 extradition treaty with Hong Kong after China introduced a controversial national security law for the global financial hub. Also read: Now, China suspends extradition agreement with New Zealand "In view of the latest developments, France will not proceed as it stands with the ratification of the extradition agreement signed on May 4, 2017 between France and the Hong Kong Special Administrative region," a French Foreign Ministry statement said. It said the national security law for Hong Kong was "a change that compromises the inherited framework of the 1997 handover" to China from British rule, and also challenged the “one country, two systems” principle, respect for Hong Kong’s “high degree of autonomy” and "related fundamental freedoms". New Zealand, Canada, Britain, Australia and Germany have already suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong since the security law was introduced in June.

China condemns France's decision of halting ratification extradition treaty with Hong Kong

Germany said Friday it was suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong over the former British colony's decision to push back local elections by a year.

"The Hong Kong government's decision to disqualify a dozen opposition candidates for the election and to postpone the elections ... is a further encroachment on the rights of Hong Kong citizens," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement.

"Given the current developments, we have decided to suspend the extradition treaty with Hong Kong."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-suspends-its-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-316380">New Zealand suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong</a>

Canada, Britain, Australia and&nbsp;New Zealand who are a part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance have taken similar action. The United States has given a hint of doing the same in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

This move comes in protest against the new security law imposed by China on the semi-autonomous region.

Critics view this new security law as an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the financial hub, which has been semi-autonomous from China since its handover from Britain in 1997.

Germany said Friday it was suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong over the former British colony's decision to push back local elections by a year. "The Hong Kong government's decision to disqualify a dozen opposition candidates for the election and to postpone the elections .

Germany said Friday it was suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong over the former British colony's decision to push back local elections by a year. "The Hong Kong government's decision to disqualify a dozen opposition candidates for the election and to postpone the elections ... is a further encroachment on the rights of Hong Kong citizens," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement. "Given the current developments, we have decided to suspend the extradition treaty with Hong Kong." Also read: New Zealand suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand who are a part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance have taken similar action. The United States has given a hint of doing the same in the coming weeks. This move comes in protest against the new security law imposed by China on the semi-autonomous region. Critics view this new security law as an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the financial hub, which has been semi-autonomous from China since its handover from Britain in 1997.

Germany suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong

hong-kong-treaty

Hong Kong Treaty, News on Hong Kong Treaty, stories on Hong Kong Treaty, articles on Hong Kong Treaty, Hong Kong Treaty stories at Wion, Hong Kong Treaty news, Hong Kong Treaty latest news

hong kong-treaty

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam calls US sanctions an 'inconvenience'

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail

US imposes sanctions on Hong Kong's Lam, other officials over crackdown

China condemns France's decision of halting ratification extradition treaty with Hong Kong

Germany suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong