China plans sanctions on U.S. officials, NGO leaders in response to Hong Kong disputes.

China's foreign ministry announced that it will impose sanctions on U.S. officials and lawmakers and NGO leaders who it believes mishandled Hong Kong-related issues as a response to Washington's actions. The U.S. sanctions imposed in March on six Chinese and Hong Kong officials including Justice Secretary Paul Lam security director Dong Jingwei and former police commissioner Raymond Siu for their alleged “transnational repression” and threats to Hong Kong’s autonomy triggered this response. The Chinese countermeasures seek to defend against perceived foreign interference while both countries intensify their bilateral tensions regarding Hong Kong governance and freedoms.