Pompeo Warns Of Sanctions Over HK 'outrage'

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington is considering slapping sanctions on those involved in the mass arrest of pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong on Wednesday, saying it won't stand idly by while the people of the SAR "suffer under Communist oppression".

With a US lawyer among the 53 people arrested, Pompeo warned that America will not tolerate the "arbitrary detention or harassment of US citizens".

In a statement, Pompeo described the arrests as an "outrage" and "a reminder of the Chinese Communist Party’s contempt for its own people and the rule of law".

"Those arrested are guilty of nothing but exercising the democratic rights promised to them by treaty, and due to them through virtue of their humanity. They should be released immediately and unconditionally," he said.

"The United States will consider sanctions and other restrictions on any and all individuals and entities involved in executing this assault on the Hong Kong people, explore restrictions against the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the United States, and take additional immediate actions against officials who have undermined Hong Kong’s democratic processes."

Pompeo said he was "appalled" by the news that lawyer John Clancey, a US citizen, was among those arrested.

The secretary also used the statement to announce a planned visit to Taiwan by US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, although no dates were given.

Pompeo described Taiwan as a reliable partner to the US, and a vibrant democracy which "shows what a free China could achieve".

In response to the comments, Beijing warned that the US will pay a heavy price for its "wrongdoing".

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged Washington to stop interfering in China's internal affairs.