On April 21, 2025, China announced sanctions against several U.S. lawmakers, government officials, and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in response to U.S. actions related to Hong Kong. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that these individuals were being sanctioned for their “egregious behaviour on Hong Kong-related issues.” This move follows the United States’ earlier decision to sanction six Chinese and Hong Kong officials. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed strong condemnation of the U.S. actions and affirmed that China would respond to any such measures with “resolute and reciprocal counteraction.”
These developments are part of ongoing tensions between China and the United States over Hong Kong policies and sovereignty. The U.S. has criticized China’s actions in Hong Kong, including the implementation of a national security law in 2020, which it views as undermining the city’s autonomy. In response, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials. China, in turn, views these sanctions as interference in its internal affairs and has responded with its own sanctions against U.S. individuals and entities.
The situation underscores the escalating diplomatic friction between the two nations, with both sides taking measures they deem necessary to protect their interests and respond to perceived provocations.
