China’s former top spy catcher is among six security enforcers targeted as the Trump administration turns its attention to human rights issues in the city.

The U.S. sanctioned six senior Chinese and Hong Kong officials on Monday, citing "transnational repression" and further erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy in the Trump administration's first major move to punish China for a crackdown on the financial hub.

HONG KONG (AP) — The United States sanctioned six Chinese and Hong Kong officials who it alleged were involved in “transnational repression” and acts that threaten to further erode the city's autonomy, with China threatening to take countermeasures.