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At close · Fri, Aug 14, 2026
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US Democrats criticize Trump after sanctions easing for Hong Kong officials

The update removed nine of 48 sanctioned officials from the list, ending restrictions on their access to the US banking system or US assets.

Several top US Democratic lawmakers criticized President Donald Trump for easing sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials, arguing the targeted individuals were complicit in Beijing’s actions affecting Hong Kong’s autonomy, according to SCMP Economy.

The lawmakers said in a four page letter that the move raises questions about the durability of US policy toward Hong Kong and called for a direct response from the administration.

SCMP Economy reports the modification removed nine of the 48 previously sanctioned officials from the list, including senior security figures and Justice Secretary Paul Lam Ting kwok, a change that ended restrictions on their ability to use the US banking system or access US assets.

The update also shifted 39 others to a different sanctions list that removed some restrictions, including a prior ban on importing goods; among those moved were former chief executives Carrie Lam and John Lee and National People’s Congress Standing Committee leadership.

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