US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the expanded list of sanctions comes after Beijing moved last week to "unilaterally undermine Hong Kong's electoral system" with new rules.
At least 47 activists are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial primary poll in 2020 to select the strongest candidates for a legislative council election that authorities say was part of a plan to “overthrow” the government.
Police detained 47 anti-Beijing activists on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion under the city's national security law, in the largest mass charge against the opposition camp since China's law came into effect last June.
The mass arrests were the largest move against Hong Kong’s activist movement since the national security law was imposed by Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory last year.
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai was charged on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security under the new national security law that Chia imposed on Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai of Next Digital, which publishes Apple Daily newspaper, is among 10 people arrested on August 10 over suspicions of violating a national security law and colluding with a foreign country.
At least 60 people have been arrested in Hong Kong as anti-Beijing protesters held small demonstrations on China's National Day, flaunting a ban on mass gatherings and protests.
Lam Cheuk-ting, Ted Hui and at least 14 others have been detained over protests last year, triggered by the government's decision to pass an extradition bill allowing suspects to be sent to mainland China to stand trial.
The pro-democracy media mogul Lai and activist Chow are the highest profile arrests made under Beijing’s sweeping national security law.
Lai owns the group which publishes anti-Beijing paper Apple Daily. His arrest marks the first time the law is being used against Hong Kong's news media.
Local media said six activists were wanted on suspicion of secession or colluding with foreign forces, crimes that the new law punishes with up to life in prison.
Disqualified candidates included activist Joshua Wong, some members of the Civic Party and others who won an unofficial primary vote held by the opposition camp earlier this month.
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