WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday led international condemnation of the latest closure of a pro-democracy media outlet in Hong Kong, saying it undermined the reputation of the Chinese-ruled financial hub. “By silencing independent media, PRC and local authorities undermine Hong Kong’s credibility and viability,” Blinken said, referring to the People’s Republic of China. “A confident government that is unafraid of the truth embraces a free press.” Police in Hong Kong, where Beijing has been ramping up control, on Wednesday burst into the offices of Stand News, seizin…