China to sanction US Congress members and others who ‘acted egregiously’ on Hong Kong

China will impose sanctions on members of the United States Congress, officials and heads of non-governmental organisations “who have behaved badly” on Hong Kong-related issues.

The sanctions, announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday afternoon, came amid a raging trade war between China and the US.

“The United States has imposed unlawful, unilateral and indiscriminate sanctions against the offices of the Central Government of China in Hong Kong and six officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), thereby seriously interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs, in grave violation of the principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations. China strongly condemns these despicable acts,” ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at the regular media briefing on Monday.

“The Chinese side has decided to impose sanctions on members of the United States Congress, officials and heads of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who have behaved badly on Hong Kong-related issues…Any wrongful actions taken by the United States side on Hong Kong-related issues will be met with China’s resolute retaliation and reciprocal countermeasures.”

More to follow …