Tensions Escalate as Beijing Responds to US Actions
The Chinese mainland announced sanctions against select U.S. congressional members, officials, and NGO leaders on Monday, citing their "egregious behavior" regarding Hong Kong matters. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated the measures were enacted under China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law as a direct response to Washington's earlier penalties targeting six officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and central government institutions.
Asserting Sovereignty
Guo emphasized that Hong Kong affairs fall "entirely within China's internal matters," condemning U.S. sanctions as unlawful interference that violates international norms. "Any erroneous actions harming China's sovereignty will face resolute countermeasures," he declared during a regular press briefing.
Legal Framework Applied
The newly invoked Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law provides Beijing with formal mechanisms to counter perceived foreign overreach. Analysts note this development marks an intensified phase in U.S.-China diplomatic confrontations, particularly concerning the status of Hong Kong since 2019's legal reforms.
