The US sanctions against Chinese officials are against international relations, announced a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, Liu Pengyu.

Commenting on the restrictions imposed by the United States against Chinese officials, the Chinese diplomat said the so-called human rights problems in China, according to US claims, do not exist. He emphasized that China welcomes the freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and other rights that are perfectly protected. 

He added that China condemns whatever restrictions the US imposes on Chinese officials under any pretext. They (in the US) seriously violate the basic rules governing international relations and interfere in China's internal affairs, the diplomat maintained. 

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Earlier, the Biden administration expanded the travel ban imposed on Chinese officials to the United States to include new officials accused of "repressing ethnic and religious minorities."

The US State Department said in a statement that it banned targets from traveling to the United States due to their "participation in crackdowns on freedom of expression and religion in China and abroad."

The Ministry did not specify which officials would be exposed to the extended ban, nor did it say how many officials would be affected by this measure.