China willsanctionUnited States officials whomeddlein the affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as acountermeasureto US sanctions against senior Chinese lawmakers, according to a statement from China's top legislature on Wednesday.
The statement was made bythe Standing Committee of the National People's Congressafter the US announced sanctions on 14 vice-chairpersons of the committee, citing its decision to enact the National Security Law for Hong Kong and another decision that led to the disqualification of four Hong Kong opposition lawmakers.
"The US sanctions are a typical example of political bullying anddouble standards. We strongly condemn and oppose this," the statement said.
Hong Kong affairs are purelyChina's internal affairs. The NPC Standing Committee adopted the National Security Law for Hong Kong to safeguard China's nationalsovereignty, security and development interests and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, as well as to ensure the stable and long-term operation of the principle of"one country, two systems", the statement said.
"We firmly oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs in any way and will fulfill our lawful duties as always to handle Hong Kong affairsin accordance withthe law," the statement said.
The Chinese government is firmly committed to safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, implementing "one country, two systems" fully and faithfully, and opposing any interference in Hong Kong affairs.
Related Chinese government bodies will sanction US officials who meddle in Hong Kong affairs andundermineChina's sovereign security by initiating and promoting Hong Kong-related measures, the statement said.
Key Words and expressions:
Msanction /ˈsæŋkʃən/ v.制裁，处罚
Mmeddle /ˈmedl/ V. (~in/with sth) 管闲事；干涉；干预
Mcountermeasure/ˈkaʊntəmeʒə(r)/ N.对策；对抗手段；反措施
MThe Standing Committee of the National People's Congress全国人民代表大会常务委员会
Mdouble standards双重标准
MChina's internal affairs中国内政
Msovereignty/ˈsɒvrənti/ N.主权，统治权
M"one country, two systems"一国两制
Min accordance with依照；与…一致
Mundermine/ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/ V.破坏，逐渐削弱
