Washington calls China’s tit-for-tat sanctions ‘baseless’
- US says the punitive actions levelled by China on Friday show how it punishes non-official players
- Beijing’s latest tit-for-tat salvo is likely to increase tensions ahead of an upcoming visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman
“These actions are the latest examples of how Beijing punishes private citizens, companies and civil society Organisations as a way to send political signals, and further illustrate the PRC’s deteriorating economic climate and rising political risk,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki in a regular briefing.
“Americans of both parties oppose these outrageous moves to target those who defend universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, and Beijing’s attempt to intimidate and bully internationally respected NGOs only demonstrate its further isolation from the world,” she added, referring to non-governmental Organisations.
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US warns American companies about operating in Hong Kong, sanctions 7 Chinese officials
Psaki added that she was “not aware” of any changes to Sherman’s planned China visit, which would likely entail discussions involving areas where the two economic giants agree and disagree.
A statement by the Chinese foreign ministry said the retaliation was justified after Washington imposed sanctions on Chinese officials last week and issued an advisory warning American companies about risks to their operations and activities in Hong Kong.