Stay updated with breaking news from Hanscom Smith. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/EMJEE6JXIVMKJCPVUOZZ3ZVIWM.jpg)
The top U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong said the imposition of a new national security law had created an "atmosphere of coercion" that threatens both the city's freedoms and its standing as an international business hub.
The comments come as other envoys, business people and activists have spoken about the chilling effect on their relationships and connections across China's most international city.
In unusually strident remarks to Reuters this week, U.S. Consul-General Hanscom Smith called it "appalling" that Beijing's influence had "vilified" routine diplomatic activities such as meeting local activists, part of a government crackdown on foreign forces that was "casting a pall over the city".
The consul-general's strident remarks come as concerns grow over the city's deteriorating freedoms.
By Greg Torode, Anne Marie Roantree and James Pomfret HONG KONG (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong said the imposition of a new national security law had created an atmosphere of coercion that threatens both the city's freedoms and its standing as an international business hub. In unusually strident remarks to Reuters this week, U.S. Consul-General Hanscom Smith called it appalling that Beijing's influence had vilified routine diplomatic activities such as meeting local activists, part of a government crackdown on foreign forces that was casting a pall over the city . Smith's remar...