China has imposed sanctions on several US lawmakers, officials, and NGO chiefs, accusing them of “excessive interference” in Hong Kong affairs. Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, confirmed the sanctions in a statement on Monday.
However, Guo did not disclose the exact number of individuals affected or their specific designations. He hinted that the move was a countermeasure in response to Washington’s sanctions on six Chinese and Hong Kong officials last month.
“Any wrong actions related to Hong Kong will always be met with firm and reciprocal measures by China,” Guo stated at a press conference.
The political and economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies—China and the United States—has been increasingly strained over issues such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and trade. Beijing accuses Washington of unwarranted interference in its internal affairs, while the US criticizes China for ongoing human rights violations in these regions.
US President Donald Trump, who was re-elected for a second term on January 19, has continued his tough stance against China. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he accused Chinese laboratories of being the source of the virus—a claim that was later unsubstantiated.
Recently, President Trump imposed a 145% export tariff on all Chinese goods. In response, China has enforced a 125% tariff on all US imports.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged world governments not to bypass Chinese interests when entering trade agreements with the United States.