In a direct response to the U.S. government's recent sanctions targeting Chinese officials over issues related to Hong Kong, China has announced reciprocal sanctions aimed at several U.S. lawmakers, government officials, and leaders of non-governmental organizations.

The move, made public by China’s Foreign Ministry, underscores Beijing’s firm stance against what it calls “illegal and unilateral” U.S. actions. China’s newly announced countermeasures target individuals and entities who, according to Chinese officials, have interfered egregiously in Hong Kong-related affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun commented on the situation, reiterating China's position:

“Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs brook no U.S. interference.”

Guo further stated that the United States' actions have seriously violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

“The U.S.'s erroneous practices will for sure meet China’s resolute response and reciprocal countermeasures,” Guo warned.

This latest development adds further strain to already tense U.S.-China relations, with Hong Kong remaining a key flashpoint in their geopolitical rivalry. China has consistently asserted that foreign involvement in its internal matters, especially those related to Hong Kong's governance and autonomy, is unwarranted and unacceptable.

The U.S. has previously sanctioned Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses and the suppression of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. China, in turn, has dismissed these claims and defended its actions as necessary for restoring order and national security.