HONG KONG -- China has cranked up pressure on multinational companies by passing a law that will punish those that comply with foreign sanctions against Beijing, as ties with the U.S. deteriorate.
The "anti-foreign sanctions law" passed on Thursday empowers Chinese authorities to claim damages or seize assets from companies that are deemed to be aiding the enforcement of such penalties. It will be applicable in the financial center of Hong Kong -- a move the American Chamber of Commerce in China warns will further erode the city's autonomy.