BEIJING (Dispatches) -
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the country has taken reciprocal countermeasures against U.S. sanctions.
The Chinese move is in response to U.S. sanctions against Chinese people and entities on December 10 over Xinjiang issue, CGTN reported. China has announced sanctions on four members of the United States government’s Commission on International Religious Freedom in retaliation for penalties imposed on Chinese officials.
Washington has banned imports from the region. China has denied accusations of abuses.
The chairwoman and three members of the U.S. panel are barred from visiting mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and any assets they have in the country will be frozen, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.
Zhao identified those targeted as Chairwoman Nadine Maenza, Deputy Chairman Nury Turkel and members Anurima Bhargava and James Carr. Zhao gave no indication whether they have assets in China.
China threatened to retaliate after the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions on December 10 on two officials.
The U.S. Treasury targeted Shohrat Zakir, chairman of the region’s government from 2018 until early this year, and Erken Tuniyaz, who holds the position now and previously was deputy chairman.
“The United States should withdraw the so-called sanctions and stop interfering in Xinjiang’s affairs and China’s internal affairs,” Zhao said.
“China will make further responses in accordance with the development of the situation.”