China demands US invite Hong Kong leader to economic meeting, adding to strains over crackdown

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — China has demanded that the United States invite Hong Kong’s leader to an economic conference following a news report that Chief Executive John Lee would be barred due to his role in crushing the city’s pro-democracy movement. The conflict threatens to complicate Washington’s efforts to revive relations that are at their lowest level in decades due to disputes about security, technology, human rights and other irritants. The Washington Post, citing unidentified U.S. officials, said the White House would bar Lee from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November. Lee launched the crackdown as Hong Kong’s top police official before he became chief executive last year. The foreign ministry demanded Washington lift the “illegal and unreasonable” sanctions on Lee.