China imposes sanctions on US officials

In response to the ban on Chinese officials in Hong Kong, China has decided to impose sanctions on a number of US citizens and entities. The list also includes former US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. Beijing's decision comes just days before US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Serman's visit to China.

The United States has banned Chinese officials in Hong Kong, saying they played a role in security crackdowns.

Washington has also warned its business community that working in Hong Kong increases risks. China enacted a new security law in Hong Kong following massive pro-democracy protests last year. It has imposed a maximum sentence of life imprisonment against the partition of the country, treason, and alliance with foreign powers.

On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the United States had recently announced unjustified sanctions that would tarnish Hong Kong's business environment, in flagrant violation of international law and the basic tenets of international relations. He also said that sanctions would be imposed on seven US citizens and bodies, including former Secretary of State John Kerry.

As President Donald Trump's commerce minister, Ross expanded the number of Chinese firms that could do business with US firms without prior permission. Leading Chinese technology companies, such as Huawei and ZTE, have been affected by the sanctions.

White House spokeswoman Jane Sackie said the United States would not be deterred by China's retaliatory measures. "These measures are the latest evidence of how Beijing punishes non-state actors, companies, and civil society organizations for the purpose of sending a political message," she said.