Washington, March 15 -- The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign government officials involved in the forced return of Uyghurs and other vulnerable ethnic or religious groups to China.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a statement, announced that the policy would apply to both current and former officials responsible for, or complicit in, such actions, emphasizing the US commitment to countering China's ongoing efforts to pressure governments into deporting individuals who face persecution upon return.

The visa restrictions will be implemented 'immediately', with initial measures targeting officials from the Thai government involved in the forced return of 40 Uyghurs to China on February 27....