China says the new US sanctions on officials responsible for Hong Kong’s security are an attempt to undermine the city’s stability.
China also threatened the US with indefinite countermeasures for these sanctions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China, America. Hong Kong strongly opposes and strongly condemns the Autonomy Act, which would require the Secretary of State to report to Congress on those who would attempt to impede civil rights in the region.
This year’s report included 10 officials from China’s central government and Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Police Commissioner Chris Tang.
Zhao Lijian said the report is a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and shows Washington’s sinister intentions to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and China’s development.
He said that if the US continues on the same path, China will take strict countermeasures to protect its national sovereignty and security interests, and to protect the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies and relevant officials.
Restrictions on these officials include visa restrictions and possible restrictions on their transactions with US financial institutions. These officials were also banned under an executive order in August after China imposed a national security law in Hong Kong.
US State Department Spokesman Morgan Ortagus said in his statement announcing the sanctions that the Communist Party of China has seriously damaged Hong Kong’s democratic institutions, human rights, judicial independence and personal freedom by implementing the National Security Law.
He cited the arrests of peaceful protesters, the deployment of Chinese security agents in the region and the politically delayed local assembly elections in September, which he said were against Hong Kong’s 1997 commitments to Beijing. There is evidence of violation.
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**Interview with Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Zhao. The recent sanctions imposed by the US on Hong Kong officials have sparked significant international debate. You mentioned that these actions undermine Hong Kong’s stability. Can you elaborate on how you believe the sanctions affect the region?
**Zhao Lijian:** Absolutely. These sanctions represent a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs. They aim to destabilize Hong Kong, a city that has enjoyed prosperity and security. By targeting officials, including our Chief Executive and Police Commissioner, the US is undermining the efforts to maintain order and stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** However, opponents of the Chinese government argue that these sanctions are a necessary response to the erosion of freedoms and human rights under the National Security Law. How do you respond to those claims?
**Zhao Lijian:** The claims of human rights violations are unfounded and driven by ulterior motives. The National Security Law is essential for restoring order in a city that has faced significant unrest. The US is using these sanctions as a political tool, masking their interference as a human rights concern.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned possible countermeasures from China in response to these sanctions. Can you provide some insight into what those might entail?
**Zhao Lijian:** Should the US continue on this path, we will take strict countermeasures to protect our national sovereignty and the legal rights of Chinese companies and officials. We will not allow external forces to dictate our internal affairs.
**Interviewer:** The US State Department has claimed that the Communist Party of China is damaging Hong Kong’s democratic institutions. Given that, do you believe there’s a chance for dialogue between the US and China on this issue moving forward?
**Zhao Lijian:** Dialogue is always preferred when it’s constructive. However, as we see time and again, the US is more focused on exacerbating tensions rather than fostering genuine communication. The reality is that any dialogue must be based on mutual respect and understanding.
**Interviewer:** Given this situation, what do you think readers will take away from the escalating tensions between the US and China regarding Hong Kong? Are sanctions likely to lead to a resolution or further conflict?
**Zhao Lijian:** Readers must consider that sanctions only breed hostility and do not resolve the root issues. This matter goes beyond Hong Kong; it’s about sovereignty and national security. The continued imposition of such measures will likely lead to further conflict rather than a resolution. I encourage readers to reflect on whether such a confrontational approach is genuinely in the interest of peace and stability in the region.
