In response to Washington's measures taken against China earlier this month, Beijing has taken the decision to restrict visas for several US officials. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said Thursday, "The Chinese side decided to impose retaliatory visa restrictions on certain US officials who spread lies on the issue of human rights, imposed sanctions against China and harmed China's interests."

He remarked that the measures were made "to protect the sovereignty, security and development interests of the PRC."

Furthermore, the Spokesperson said that Washington used human rights as a false pretext to interfere in Chinese affairs, discredit China, and pressure Chinese officials. 

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Such actions, according to Wang, are a serious violation of the basics of international law and international relations.

The Foreign Ministry has not confirmed which officials have been restricted of visas, however, Wenbin did indicate that those who invented lies about China while harming Beijing's national interests already know themselves.

Earlier this month, the US State Department restricted visas for Chinese officials, claiming that the officials are resposible for the intimidation and harrassment of human rights activists and dissidents in China and globally. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington "rejects efforts by [Chinese] officials to harass, intimidate, surveil and abduct members of ethnic and religious minority groups, including those who seek safety abroad, and US citizens, who speak out on behalf of these vulnerable populations."

Washington demanded China “end its ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, repressive policies in Tibet, crackdown on fundamental freedoms in Kong Kong."

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