China to impose sanctions on U.S. officials over Hong Kong

China has decided to impose sanctions on U.S. officials for their stance on issues related to Hong Kong, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Thursday. 

The U.S. on Monday imposed a new round of financial sanctions and a travel ban on 14 senior members of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee over Hong Kong issues.

Given their stance on Hong Kong related issues, China decided to impose reciprocal sanctions on U.S. officials and their direct relatives from administrative departments, Congress and non-governmental organizations who bear major responsibility on this matter, Hua said.

According to the spokesperson, China is revoking visa exemptions for U.S. diplomatic passport holders visiting China's Hong Kong, Macao SARs, as countermeasures on U.S. sanctions on Chinese officials.

We once again urge the U.S. side to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, said Hua.