US citizen arrest stokes Biden’s fresh Hong Kong business caution
A US citizen has been arrested in Hong Kong, according to local reports, just hours after the US issued a fresh advisory warning for US businesses in the region.
The US citizen, whose identity has not yet been confirmed by Southern China media, has been detained under Beijing’s controversial national security law.
The national security law, among other territory laws, is what has stoked President Joe Biden’s fresh caution for US businesses in the former British colony.
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The advisory from the departments of State, Treasury Commerce and Homeland Security said businesses face risks associated with digital surveillance without warrants and the surrender of corporate and customer data to authorities under the national security law.
The state departments added that businesses and individuals should be wary of the potential consequences of engaging with sanctioned individuals or organisations.
The advisory said that US firms or citizens could face Chinese retaliation for complying with international sanctions.