China sanctioning Rubio, Cruz in retaliatory move over Hong Kong

China sanctioned 11 U.S. politicians and heads of organizations promoting democratic causes on Monday, including Sens. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioDemocrat Ben Ray Luján wins open Senate seat in New Mexico Hillicon Valley: Top Senate Democrat warns of disinformation, interference around Election Day | Trump administration to defend TikTok order after legal setback | Teens turn to TikTok to boost Biden Top Senate Democrat warns of disinformation, interference around Election Day MORE (R-Fla.) and Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzChip Roy fends off challenge from Wendy Davis to win reelection in Texas Democrat Ben Ray Luján wins open Senate seat in New Mexico Crenshaw wins reelection in Texas MORE (R-Texas), after the Trump administration hit 11 individuals with sanctions last week over Beijing’s crackdown in Hong Kong.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijan said the 11 U.S. politicians on its list had “performed badly” on issues concerning Hong Kong, The Associated Press reported. China has cracked down on opposition voices after imposing a national security law in the semi-autonomous territory last month. 

“The relevant actions of the U.S. blatantly intervened in Hong Kong affairs, grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, and seriously violated international law and the basic norms of international relations,” Lijian said at a daily briefing on Monday, according to the AP. 

“China urges the U.S. to have a clear understanding of the situation, correct mistakes, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and interfering in China’s internal affairs,” the spokesperson added. 

Other lawmakers on the list are Sens. Josh HawleyJoshua (Josh) David HawleyHawley addresses future of the GOP after Election Day Trump announces intention to nominate two individuals to serve as FEC members Murkowski predicts Barrett won't overturn Roe v. Wade MORE (R-Mo.), Tom CottonTom Bryant CottonCotton glides to reelection in Arkansas Live updates: Democrats fight to take control of the Senate Cotton mocks NY Times over claim of nonpartisanship, promises to submit op-eds as test MORE (R-Ark.) and Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeyAppeals court rules NSA's bulk phone data collection illegal Dunford withdraws from consideration to chair coronavirus oversight panel GOP senators push for quick, partial reopening of economy MORE (R-Pa.) and Rep. Chris SmithChristopher (Chris) Henry SmithWoman tased, arrested for trespassing for not wearing mask at Ohio football game China sanctioning Rubio, Cruz in retaliatory move over Hong Kong China sanctions Cruz, Rubio, others over Xinjiang legislation MORE (R-N.J.). The list also includes National Endowment for Democracy President Carl Gershman, National Democratic Institute President Derek Mitchell, International Republican Institute President Daniel Twining, Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth and Michael Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, according to the newswire. 

Last week the Trump administration announced that Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, was on its list of 11 individuals being hit with sanctions. The sanctions targeting Lam and other Hong Kong and Chinese officials is the latest escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Beijing

Beijing last month said it would sanction Rubio, Cruz and Smith in a retaliatory move after the Trump administration took similar action against Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses against China’s minority Uighur population in the western region of Xinjiang.

China’s legislature in June passed the controversial national security law that critics say will undermine the autonomy of Hong Kong granted under the 1997 British handover of Hong Kong. The proposed law prompted months of anti-government protests in the city.