Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images The sanctions come just ahead of the first face-to-face talks between China and the United States since President Joe Biden took office — perhaps an early signal that the tensions built up over the previous administration aren’t likely to disappear. The US imposed these sanctions in the wake of China’s most recent crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy and freedoms. Last week, the Chinese government agreed to new electoral rules in its rubber-stamp parliament, changes that attempt to stamp out the territory’s pro-democracy opposition and guarantee that pro-Beijing “patriots” consolidate power there. Among those targeted with sanctions are high-ranking officials in the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and officials in the Hong Kong Police Force’s National Security Division and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.