China (IP)- China has announced visa restrictions on US officials who “behave egregiously in relation to Hong Kong affairs.

Iran Press/Asia: China warned on Monday that it would impose visa restrictions on US citizens who had “behaved egregiously” over Hong Kong, ahead of expected approval from Beijing lawmakers for a controversial national security law in the city. 

Announcing the restrictions on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said any efforts by the US to hinder Beijing’s introduction of national security law in Hong Kong “would not succeed”.

“To target the US’s wrongful actions, China has decided to impose visa restrictions against American individuals who have behaved egregiously on matters concerning HK,” Zhao said. 

He did not specify which US individuals have been targeted.

The move is in retaliation for Washington’s decision to restrict visas for Chinese officials who undermine Hong Kong’s semi-autonomous status.

China is moving forward on a security law that would enforce punishment for subversion and other offenses in Hong Kong, which was rocked by massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests last year. 

On Friday, US President Donald Trump’s administration said it was restricting US visas for a number of unspecified Chinese officials for infringing on the autonomy of the financial hub. 

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