- Title: China to impose visa restrictions on U.S. individuals over Hong Kong
- Date: 29th June 2020
- Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (JUNE 29, 2020) (REUTERS) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ZHAO LIJIAN ARRIVING AT NEWS CONFERENCE MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ZHAO LIJIAN, SAYING: "The United States is attempting to obstruct China's legislation for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China) by imposing so-called sanctions, but it will never succeed. In response to the above mentioned erroneous practice by the U.S. side, China has decided to impose visa restrictions on U.S. individuals with egregious conduct on Hong Kong-related issues. MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ZHAO LIJIAN, SAYING: "Disregarding the solemn position of the Chinese side, the United States Senate will insist on deliberation and adoption of relevant negative motions involving Hong Kong, maliciously defame Hong Kong's national security legislation, seriously interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and violate international law and basic rules of international relations. China is firmly opposed to this. Stern representations have been made to the United States." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS EXTERIOR OF CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE FLAG FLYING
- Embargoed: 13th July 2020 11:49
- Keywords: China Hongkong USA Visa
- Location: BEIJING, CHINA
- City: BEIJING, CHINA
- Country: China
- Topics: Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001CKF8P53
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Beijing said on Monday (June 29) it will impose visa restrictions on U.S. individuals with "egregious conduct" on Hong Kong-related issues, mirroring U.S. sanctions against unnamed Chinese officials deemed responsible for curbing freedoms in the city.
The announcement comes as the top decision-making body of China's parliament deliberates a draft national security law for Hong Kong that pro-democracy activists in the city fear will be used to eliminate dissent and tighten Beijing's control.
The U.S. Senate also approved a bill last week that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts to restrict Hong Kong's autonomy. It includes secondary sanctions on banks that do business with anyone backing any crackdown on the territory's autonomy.
Zhao Lijian, the foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters that China has lodged a complaint with the U.S. over the bill and warned that Beijing will respond with strong countermeasures in response to U.S. actions on Hong Kong.
(Production: Thomas Suen) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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