In a significant move amidst rising tensions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that it will impose visa restrictions on United States personnel deemed to have acted egregiously on Hong Kong-related matters.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the declaration during a regular press conference, highlighting China's firm stance against what it perceives as U.S. interference in its internal affairs.
The decision comes after the United States took steps to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing the Hong Kong national security law, a move Beijing has sharply criticized.
\"We've made clear our serious position on relevant moves of the U.S. side,\" Mao stated, emphasizing that the U.S. actions grossly interfere with China's sovereignty and violate international law principles.
Mao further explained that the visa restrictions are in accordance with the Law on Foreign Relations of the People's Republic of China and the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's Republic of China. She reiterated that Hong Kong is an integral part of China's internal affairs and called on the U.S. to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The spokesperson affirmed China's unwavering determination to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests, uphold the One Country, Two Systems framework, and oppose any external meddling in Hong Kong's affairs.
This development marks a further escalation in China-U.S. relations, underscoring the ongoing conflict over governance and political influence in Hong Kong.
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China to impose visa restrictions on U.S. personnel over HK issues
cgtn.com
