China has imposed sanctions on a group of U.S. lawmakers, government officials, and leaders of non-governmental organizations, escalating tensions with Washington over ongoing disputes related to Hong Kong. The move, announced Monday by China’s foreign ministry, comes in direct retaliation for recent U.S. sanctions on six Chinese and Hong Kong officials.

At a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the U.S. measures as “egregious behaviour,” warning that Beijing would respond forcefully to any further actions.

“Any wrong action taken by the U.S. on Hong Kong-related matters will be met with resolute and reciprocal counteraction from the Chinese side,” Guo stated.

The announcement signals China’s increasing determination to push back against international criticism of its policies in Hong Kong, especially since the implementation of the controversial National Security Law in 2020. That law has been widely criticized for eroding the city’s political freedoms and stifling dissent.

Washington has repeatedly condemned Beijing’s crackdown on civil liberties in the city, resulting in several waves of sanctions targeting officials believed to be responsible for curtailing Hong Kong’s autonomy.

This latest exchange of sanctions highlights the growing diplomatic rift between the two powers, as broader tensions persist across issues such as trade, human rights, and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region. With both sides showing little sign of backing down, the path to de-escalation remains unclear.