China sanctions US figures over ‘gross interference’ in Beijing’s affairs

China has announced sanctions against a group of US lawmakers, officials, and NGO leaders in response to “gross interference” in the country’s internal affairs, particularly in relation to Hong Kong.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing in Beijing, condemning the latest US sanctions targeting six Chinese officials from both the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

He described the move by the United States as “despicable,” saying it had violated the principles of the international law and the basic norms of international relations.

“The United States’ abusive imposition of unlawful and unilateral sanctions... has grossly interfered in Hong Kong’s affairs and China’s internal affairs,” the spokesman stated.

The official added that China’s decision to impose countermeasures was made in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China.

Those affected by Beijing’s measures include members of the US Congress, American government officials, and heads of non-governmental organizations who, according to China, had acted inappropriately on matters related to Hong Kong.

‘Hong Kong an integral part of China’

The spokesman issued a stern warning to Washington, reiterating that Hong Kong was an integral part of China, and its affairs were not open to foreign meddling.

“We’d warn the US side that Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong and Hong Kong affairs tolerate no interference from the US,” Guo said.

“Any wrongdoing of the US on Hong Kong-related issues will be met with China’s resolute retaliation and reciprocal countermeasures.”

Beijing has repeatedly asserted that the "One Country, Two Systems" model governing Hong Kong was a matter of national sovereignty and warned that continued US interference would further damage bilateral ties.

Tensions between Beijing and Washington have flared in recent years over a range of issues, including Chinese Taipei, trade, and tech competition, with Hong Kong increasingly becoming another fault line in the deteriorating bilateral relationship.

Earlier this month, the US announced new sanctions against Chinese officials over, what it claimed, were “abuses” of Hong Kong’s “autonomy and democratic freedoms.”

Washington continued to invoke the so-called “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act,” a piece of legislation widely rejected by Beijing as a tool of interference.

In a related development, on April 11, 2025, China increased tariffs on US imports from 84% to 125% in response to escalating trade tensions with the United States.

China raises retaliatory tariffs on US goods to 125%, urges Europe to team up

China has announced that it will raise tariffs on goods imported from the US from 84% to 125% hours after Chinese President, Xi Jinping, warned there were “no winners in a tariff war, and going against the world will isolate oneself”.

This action followed President Xi Jinping's warning that "there are no winners in a tariff war" and that unilateral actions could lead to isolation. ​

In tandem with the tariff hike, Xi urged the European Union to collaborate with China in resisting what he termed "unilateral bullying," emphasizing the importance of maintaining economic globalization and international trade norms.

The tariff escalation was part of a broader trade conflict, with the US having previously raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%.

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