Some trade restrictions were put in place on China following the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. On 20th July 2020 this was extended to Hong Kong after then-US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to restrictions on the territory’s autonomy and freedom of expression imposed under the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Sanction Name
European Council Sanctions Against China
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Trade Restriction:
• Ban on supply of arms or equipment for the suppression of civil society protests.
Exemptions
1. All EU countries are permitted their own interpretations of the ban.
Links 1
Sanction Name
Chinese Military Companies Sanctions
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Trade Restriction:
•Prohibits any transaction with an entity deemed to be a “Communist Chinese military company”. The measure includes a ban on transacting in publicly trading securities or derivatives in target companies. 31 Chinese companies were initially targeted; the companies are listed in the annex to the Executive Order. The Secretary of Defence and the Secretary of the Treasury are also permitted to designate companies as Communist Chinese Military Companies, therefore making them subject to the sanctions programme.
Exemptions
1. Divestment from companies named in the order, where the securities or derivatives were purchased prior to the 11th November 2020 was permitted until 11th January 2021.
Links 1
On 31st March 2025, OFAC sanctioned six individuals who have engaged in actions or policies that threaten to erode the autonomy of Hong Kong in contravention of China’s commitments and in connection with acts of transnational repression.
Sanction Name
Hong-Kong Related Sanctions
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Specially Designated National
• Individuals deemed by OFAC to have undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy and restricted the freedom of expression or assembly of the citizens of Hong Kong.
Exemptions
