If this scenario were to occur, it would provoke an immediate and severe diplomatic response from the US government. The US would contact the Hong Kong government and make it clear that any attempts to punish American citizens, or American citizens’ right to peacefully protest, will not be tolerated, and potentially impose sanctions or other punitive measures, such as travel restrictions or other economic measures. The US would also take all legal steps necessary to protect its citizens and their rights, including filing for diplomatic or legal protection for those affected and pressing the Hong Kong government to uphold international human rights standards. Finally, the US would likely encourage other countries to publicly and strongly condemn Hong Kong’s actions and to join in the call for rights and freedoms to be protected in the region.
Hong Kong puts bounties on pro-democracy activists, including American citizen, under China-imposed law
