China
on Thursday expressed firm opposition to and denunciation of the U.S.
side creating the so-called "Hong Kong Autonomy Act," and sanctioning
Chinese personnel based on it, vowing countermeasures "if the U.S. is
bent on going this way." That
came after the U.S. State Department's rep warning about tough
sanctions soon to be put on international financial institutions doing
business with Chinese inpiduals deemed responsible for undermining
Hong Kong's autonomy. In
responding to a query about China's comments on the topic at a regular
press conference Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian
said that China is firmly opposed to and strongly condemns the so-called
"Hong Kong Autonomy Act" made by the U.S. and sanctions put on Chinese
inpiduals based on it. "We have lodged stern representation with the
U.S. side." Zhao
said Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are China's
internal affairs. No foreign country has the right to make irresponsible
remarks or interfere in Hong Kong's affairs. The
U.S. has grossly violated international law and basic norms governing
international relations, interfered in China's internal affairs, and
further exposed its sinister motive to undermine Hong Kong's prosperity
and stability and contain China's development. The
spokesperson urged the U.S. side to correct its mistakes and stop
interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's other internal affairs in
any form. "If
the U.S. is bent on going this way, China will take resolute
countermeasures to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests
and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and the
relevant personnel," Zhao added.
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