Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply in recent months over issues ranging from trade, to Hong Kong and China’s handling of the novel coronavirus. China’s sanctions of the 11 US citizens is the latest in a tit-for-tat round of measures between China and the United States over accusations of rights abuses and interference. The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam as well as the city’s current and former police chiefs, under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The US lawmakers targeted by China on Monday have been vocal critics of a new national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in late June, expanding its authority in the financial hub. All five groups had been subjected to sanctions in December in connection with their positions on Hong Kong.

Source: bd News24 August 10, 2020 09:56 UTC