Sanctions announced for US NGOs

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says groups support anti-China forces

China said on Monday that it had suspended its review of requests for United States military ships and aircraft to visit Hong Kong and also announced sanctions against several US non-governmental organizations in response to Hong Kongrelated US legislation.

The so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, signed into law last week by US President Donald Trump, has sparked strong opposition from China, which said it would issue firm countermeasures.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing that sanctions will apply to NGOs that "behaved badly" during Hong Kong's disturbances. She accused the NGOs of having "great responsibility for the chaos in Hong Kong".

The US-headquartered NGOs include the National Endowment for Democracy, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the International Republican Institute, Human Rights Watch and Freedom House.

Hua said a large amount of facts and evidence has shown that these NGOs support anti-China forces that seek to disrupt Hong Kong, instigate them to engage in extremely violent crimes and incite separatist activities for Hong Kong "independence".

"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," Hua said.

The country had already denied requests for two US Navy ships to dock in Hong Kong in August, according to Agence France-Presse.

In another development, Hua on Monday again urged Canada to release Huawei's financial chief, Meng Wanzhou, who has been "unreasonably detained".

It's been a year since Meng's detention in Canada in December last year. The arrest was made at the request of the US, which is seeking her extradition on fraud charges. Both Meng and Huawei have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The US and Canada have abused their bilateral extradition treaties, arbitrarily imposed coercive measures on Chinese citizens and seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, Hua said.

China remains committed to safeguarding legitimate rights and interests, including those of both Chinese citizens and enterprises, she reiterated.

"We strongly urge the Canadian side to take our position and concerns seriously, earnestly correct its mistakes and release Meng as soon as possible to ensure her safe return to her motherland," she said.

Meng on Monday published an open letter of gratitude to all supporters. In the letter, she recounted having experienced fear and pain, disappointment and struggle throughout the year. She said she has learned to face the unknown with courage.

zhoujin@chinadaily.com.cn