China has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating it will implement countermeasures if Washington proceeds with new visa restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials. The tension arises after the U.S. announced visa curbs in response to a Hong Kong court verdict involving a high-profile subversion case.
On Monday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the U.S. actions during a press briefing. “The United States has abused visa restrictions, deliberately attacked the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, smeared China’s national security law, and meddled in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s judicial matters,” she asserted. “Such moves blatantly interfere in China’s internal affairs and violate international law and basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and opposes this behavior.”
The U.S. visa restrictions follow a verdict in Hong Kong where several individuals were tried for conspiring to commit subversion. Mao emphasized that the so-called “primary election” organized by these individuals was a serious challenge to Hong Kong’s constitutional order and posed a threat to national security. According to Mao, 31 defendants have already pleaded guilty.
“It is reasonable and lawful for the law enforcement and judicial authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to carry out their duties in accordance with the law,” Mao stated, underscoring that these actions have the firm support of the central government.
Mao Ning reiterated that Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s domestic matters and brook no external interference. She urged the United States to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong. “We urge the U.S. to earnestly respect China’s sovereignty, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, Mao warned that China would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests if the U.S. continues on its current path.
Reference(s):
MOFA: China will respond if U.S. puts visa curbs on Chinese officials
cgtn.com
