The State Department is raising some red flags about efforts by the Chinese government to prevent Hong Kong citizens from participating in the recent Legislative Council elections. 

According to a Dec. 20 State Department press release, the Hong Kong Autonomy Act Report to Congress, released earlier this month, signaled concerns for democracy in Hong Kong.

"The United States is concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) continued efforts to undermine the democratic institutions in Hong Kong and erode Hong Kong’s autonomy in its judiciary, civil service, press, and academic institutions, among other areas that are key to a stable and prosperous Hong Kong,” Ned Price, State Department spokesperson, said in the release.

The act requires the secretary of state to provide an update to Congress on any foreign individuals who may be attempting to undermine efforts under the Sino-British Joint Declaration or Hong Kong’s Basic Law, the release said. 

In the report, the State Department criticized the further erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, including rights and freedoms safeguarded under the Joint Declaration and Basic Law, the release said. The report indicated that the Chinese government had disqualified pro-democracy lawmakers and stalled legislative elections, signaling that the government continues to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. 

The report also identified five Chinese officials whose actions have undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy, the release said. The individuals are deputy directors of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, which is the Chinese government’s primary arm for exerting its influence.

Any foreign financial institutions will face sanctions if they conduct business with anyone listed in the report filed with Congress, the release said. U.S. officials remain committed to speaking up to protect the rights of Hong Kong residents.