China announced on Monday that it will impose sanctions on certain U.S. Congress members, officials, and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) over their actions related to Hong Kong issues.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a regular press briefing that China made this decision in response to the United States imposing sanctions on six officials from China’s central government’s institutions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Hong Kong SAR government.
“The U.S. has unlawfully and arbitrarily imposed unilateral sanctions on these officials, seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs, including Hong Kong’s affairs, and violating international law and basic norms governing international relations,” Guo said. “China strongly condemns this despicable act.”
In accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China, China will impose sanctions on U.S. Congress members, officials, and NGO leaders for their “egregious behavior” on Hong Kong-related issues, Guo added.
“Hong Kong belongs to China, and its affairs brook no interference from the United States,” the spokesperson emphasized. “Any wrongful actions taken by the U.S. side on issues related to Hong Kong will be met with a firm response and reciprocal countermeasures from China.”
This development marks another escalation in tensions between China and the United States, as both nations continue to clash over issues ranging from trade to human rights. Observers are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what implications it may have for international relations.
