China imposes counter-sanctions on US officials over Hong Kong dispute

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
21 Apr 2025 13:24

China imposes sanctions on US lawmakers and officials over Hong Kong-related issues amid ongoing diplomatic disputes.

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US President Donald Trump, right, chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 9, 2017. (AP)

China has imposed sanctions on several US Congress members, government officials, and heads of non-governmental organizations 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 stated.

It is noteworthy that the United States has repeatedly claimed Beijing was clamping down on democratic freedoms and civil liberties in Hong Kong, a pretext to impose several rounds of sanctions targeting officials seen as responsible for undermining the city’s autonomy.

China refuses subjugation, will continue defending interests: Official

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.

Earlier in April, at the peak of the trade war between Beijing and Washington, the Chinese government issued a firm warning to the US, asserting that pressure and threats are not the proper way to engage with China.

"We do not provoke trouble, but we are not afraid of it either. Pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China. China is already taking and will continue to take decisive measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests," the government said in a statement carried by state broadcaster China Central Television.