Jubilee Post News & Views
Special Desk
In response to US action, China is now imposing sanction upon US individuals and organisations. China’s action is in response to recent US sanctions on Chinese officials in Hong Kong and on target includes former US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross.
White House has said it was undeterred with the China move.
Interestingly the counter-sanctions come days before US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is due to visit China. The US sanctions on Chinese officials in Hong Kong were because of their role in the security crackdown in the territory.
Washington also warned its business community of the growing risks of operating in Hong Kong. China introduced the National Security Law in Hong Kong last year in response to massive pro-democracy protests. It criminalises secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces and carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
China’s foreign ministry has said that the recent US sanctions were designed to groundlessly smear Hong Kong’s business environment and gravely violate international law and basic norms governing international relations.
China said it would impose sanctions on seven US individuals and entities including Ross. As commerce secretary under former President Donald Trump, Ross expanded the number of firms that could not trade with American firms without a prior license, including Chinese telecom giants like Huawei and ZTE.
Others sanctioned by China include Sophie Richardson, Human Rights Watch’s China director; Carolyn Bartholomew, chair of US-China Economic and Security Review Commission; and Adam King of the International Republican Institute.
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White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the US was undeterred by China’s retaliation. Psaki said these actions are the latest examples of how Beijing punishes private citizens, companies and civil society organisations as a way to send political signals.
The relationship between Beijing and Washington became even more strained under the Trump administration. They remain sour on issues including the origins of Covid-19, human rights and cybersecurity.
