China sanctions U.S. congress members, officials, NGO heads on Hong Kong-related issues

China decides to impose sanctions on U.S. congress members, officials and heads of non-governmental organizations (NGO) for egregious behavior on Hong Kong-related issues, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question on the U.S. imposing sanctions on six officials from the Chinese central government’s institutions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Hong Kong SAR government.

The U.S. has imposed unlawful and arbitrary unilateral sanctions on the six officials, seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs including Hong Kong’s affairs, and violating the principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, Guo said, adding that China strongly condemns this despicable act.

In accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China, China decides to impose sanctions on U.S. congress members, officials and NGO heads for their egregious behavior on Hong Kong-related issues, he said.

Hong Kong belongs to China, and its affairs brook no interference from the U.S., he said, adding that any wrong actions taken by the U.S. side on issues related to Hong Kong will be met with firm response and reciprocal countermeasures from China.