China sanctions 7 US citizens, entities over advisory on operating businesses in Hong Kong

Amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington, China has anunced sanctions on several American individuals and organisations in response to recent US sanctions on Chinese officials in Hong Kong. According to a British tabloid, counter-sanctions come just days before US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is due to visit China. It also comes after United States warned business community of growing risks of operating Hong Kong, following a clampdown by China in major financial hub.  

In response, on July 23, China’s foreign ministry said that recent US move was designed to “groundlessly smear Hong Kong’s business environment” and “gravely violate international law and basic rms governing international relations". China said that it would impose sanctions on seven US individuals and entities including former US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross. or sanctioned by China include Sophie Richardson, Human Rights Watch's China director; Carolyn Bartholomew, chair of US-China Ecomic and Security Review Commission; and am King of International Republican Institute.

US calls China's move 'cynical' 

Following China’s foreign ministry statement, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that US was “undeterred” by China’s retaliation. She said that actions are latest examples of how Beijing punishes private citizens, companies and civil society organisations as a way to sent political signals. She furr went on to call move “unproductive and cynical”. 

Washington and Beijing’s relationship has become even more strained in recent months. y remain sour on issues including COVID-19 origin, human rights and cybersecurity. Amid tension between two nations, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will travel to China this weekend in an effort to dress deteriorating ties. It will be most senior official visit under President Joe Biden.

China opposes US interference  

Meanwhile, earlier, following anuncement of US sanctions and business visory, China opposed US interfering in its internal affairs. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian criticised US moves as “typical double standards and political manipulation” and said that Hong Kong basic law and relevant laws clearly protect interests of foreign investors. He also ded that any attempt by Washington to “use Xinjiang as a lever” was “doomed to fail”.

However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that latest move promotes accountability for Beijing’s broken promises and repressive acts. Blinken also said that US will continue to stand up for rights and freedoms guaranteed to people in Hong Kong by Si-British Joint Declaration and Basic Law.

(Im: AP)