US military ships, aircraft not allowed into Hong Kong
China imposes sanctions against American NGOs over interference
Beijing, Dec. 2: China said on Monday US military ships and aircraft won't be allowed to visit Hong Kong, and also announced sanctions against several US non-government organisations for encouraging protesters to "engage in extremist, violent and criminal acts."
The measures were announced by China's Foreign Ministry in response to US legislation passed last week supporting anti-government protesters. It said it had suspended taking requests for US military visits indefinitely, and warned of further action to come.
"We urge the US to correct the mistakes and stop interfering in our internal affairs. China will take further steps if necessary to uphold Hong Kong's stability and prosperity and China's sovereignty," said ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing in Beijing.
China last week promised it would issue "firm counter measures" after US President Donald Trump signed into law the "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act," which supports antigovernment protesters in Hong Kong and threatens China with potential sanctions.
Hong Kong protesters return to the streets
Protesters return to the
streets of Hong Kong, ending a brief election lull and demanding the government make concessions a week after prodemocracy candidates won a landslide victory.
There are fears that the row over Hong Kong could impact efforts by Beijing and Washington to reach preliminary deal that could de-escalate a prolonged trade war between the two.