China imposes Tit-for-Tat sanctions on US officials

China is now imposing sanctions on several of the US officials and organizations. This is coming in response to the recent US sanctions on the Chinese officials in Hong Kong.  Those who have been targeted include the former Commerce Secretary of the US, Wilbur Ross.

The counter-sanctions are coming days before the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is about to visit China. The US sanctions on the Chinese officials in Hong Kong are due to their role in the security crackdown in their territory.

Washington has also warned its business community due to the growing risk for the operations in Hong Kong. China has introduced the National Security Law in Hong Kong for the massive protest of pro-democracy. It has criminalized the succession, collusion, and subversion with the foreign forces. Also, it carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The foreign ministry of China also said on Friday that the recent US sanctions are designed to “groundlessly smear Hong Kong’s business environment” and “gravely violate international law and basic norms governing international relations”.

It has said that it would impose sanctions on 7 US officials, including Mr. Ross. The commerce secretary under former President Donald Trump has expanded many firms. It should not trade with the American firms without a license. It also includes the Chinese telecom giant Huawei and ZTE.

Others who got the sanctions are Sophie Richardson, China’s director of Human Rights Watch; Carolyn Bartholomew, the chair of the -China Economic and Security Review Commission. Adam King of the International Republican Institute is also on this list.

The press secretary of White House, Jes Peski, also told the reporters that China’s retaliation had underrated the US.

She said, “These actions are the latest examples of how Beijing punishes private citizens, companies, and civil society organizations as a way to send political signals.”

The relationship between Beijing and Washington has become more strained under the administration of Trump. They continued to remain sour due to various issues. This weekend Ms. Sherman will travel to China to address the deteriorating ties.

Mr. Ross is the latest former member of the Trump administration who will have the China sanctions. The Biden administration has called this move unproductive and cynical.

Credits: BBC