Investing.com -- China has sanctioned several U.S. lawmakers, government officials, and leaders of non-governmental organizations over what it described as “egregious behaviour on Hong Kong-related issues,” according to a statement from the foreign ministry on Monday.
The move follows U.S. sanctions imposed last month on officials from China and Hong Kong—a decision Beijing “strongly condemns,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.
"Any wrong action taken by the U.S. side on the Hong Kong-related issue will be met with resolute and reciprocal counteraction by the Chinese side," Guo said.
In March, the U.S. imposed sanctions on six senior Chinese and Hong Kong officials over “transnational repression” and efforts that "threaten to further erode the autonomy of Hong Kong.”
Western governments have repeatedly condemned China’s use of the national security law in Hong Kong to imprison pro-democracy activists and dismantle independent media and civil society.
The sanctions, which target any property or transactions the individuals hold in the U.S., include Dong Jingwei—former counter-intelligence chief and now director of China’s Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong—as well as Hong Kong justice secretary Paul Lam, who has overseen prosecutions of numerous pro-democracy figures.
China’s response to U.S. sanctions came on the same day its Ministry of Commerce warned other nations against entering trade agreements with Washington that could harm Chinese interests, following recent reports that the Trump administration plans to offer tariff exemptions in exchange for curbing trade with Beijing.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” the ministry said Monday, adding that it would respond “resolutely” with reciprocal countermeasures if such deals are made.
The ministry also stated that China is prepared to work with other countries to fight unilateral bullying.