Beijing Sanctions Former US Officials Incl Ex-Commerce Sec Wilbur Ross

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced the imposition of sanctions on seven US individuals or entities, including Commerce Secretary under President Trump, Wilbur Ross.

• Beijing states that the imposition of sanctions is due to the business advisory on Hong Kong issued by the US gov't earlier in July, and act as counter-sanctions to those imposed by the US on Chinese officials in the Hong Kong liaison office.
• The advisory gave a warning to US firms operating in Hong Kong that they "...face risks associated with electronic surveillance without warrants and the surrender of corporate and customer data to authorities. Businesses that rely on a free and open press may face restricted access to information. Individuals and entities should be aware of potential consequences of certain types of engagement with sanctioned individuals or entities. Businesses operating in Hong Kong may face heightened risks and uncertainty related to PRC retaliation against companies that comply with sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries, including through enforcement of the PRC's Countering Foreign Sanctions Law."