China has announced sanctions against several US congress members, government officials, and heads of non-governmental organisations in retaliation for what it described as “egregious behaviour” concerning Hong Kong. The move, revealed on Monday by the Chinese foreign ministry, marks a fresh escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The sanctions were imposed in direct response to Washington’s decision last month to sanction six Chinese and Hong Kong officials. Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed Beijing’s strong condemnation of the US move and warned of firm retaliation.
“Any wrong action taken by the US side on the Hong Kong-related issue will be met with resolute and reciprocal counteraction by the Chinese side,” Guo said.
The action underscores Beijing’s growing intolerance of foreign criticism of its governance in Hong Kong, particularly after the introduction of the controversial National Security Law in 2020.
The United States has repeatedly raised concerns over Beijing’s clampdown on democratic freedoms and civil liberties in Hong Kong, prompting several rounds of sanctions targeting officials seen as responsible for undermining the city’s autonomy.
The tit-for-tat measures are the latest in a series of tensions between Washington and Beijing, touching on broader issues ranging from trade to human rights and geopolitical competition in Asia. As both sides remain firm in their positions, prospects for diplomatic de-escalation remain uncertain.
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