The Trump administration announcement of the actions, initially expected on Tuesday, has been put off until later this week because of "scheduling issues," a spokesperson said.

The State and Treasury departments announced new sanctions as the White House denounced authorities in Hong Kong for postponing local government elections ostensibly because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The sanctions add to U.S. pressure on Beijing over Xinjiang, where the ruling Communist Party is accused of mass detentions, forced labour, forced birth control and other abuses against Muslim minorities.