However, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong at the end of June, following months of anti-government protests last year. WATCH | Hundreds arrested in first hours of Hong Kong's new security law:Hong Kong police made their first arrests under a new security law Wednesday. "The recent imposition of draconian national security legislation on Hong Kong has not only undermined Hong Kong's autonomy, it has also infringed on the rights of people in Hong Kong," the U.S. Treasury Department said. The Hong Kong government accused the U.S. of using Hong Kong as a pawn to create trouble in the China-U.S. relationship, calling the sanctions "blatant and barbaric interference" in China's internal affairs. Pro-Beijing protesters take part in a demonstration outside of the Consulate General of the United States in Hong Kong on Saturday.

Source: CBC News August 08, 2020 18:45 UTC