CHINA RETALIATES AGAINST U.S. SUPPORT TO HK PROTESTS
BEIJING: China on Monday suspended visits by US warships and military aircraft to Hong Kong and sanctioned American NGOS including Human Rights Watch in retaliation against Washington passing two bills supporting pro-democracy protests there.
The escalation of the diplomatic tussle comes in the wake of the two largest economies trying to reach a “phase 1” deal to resolve their ongoing trade war. China didn’t hit back with new tariffs on US goods as part of its retaliatory measures against the two bills, passed last week.
Beijing has repeatedly blamed Washington and other western countries for fuelling the protests that have rocked the Asian financial hub since June. The protests began over a controversial extradition bill but evolved into a broader call for more democracy.
“China has suspended the approval of the request by US aircraft and warships to visit Hong Kong in response to the latest Hong Kong-related bill passed by the US lawmakers,” official media quoted the Chinese foreign ministry as saying.
“China also started sanctions on Us-headquartered non-governmental organisations including Human Rights Watch, National Endowment for Democracy, National Democratic Institute, and International Republican Institute for supporting extremist, violent activities in Hong Kong,” ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
“China urged the US side to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs,” Hua said.