China’s foreign ministry announced Thursday that it has decided to cancel visa exemptions for U.S. diplomatic passport holders visiting Hong Kong and Macao, in retaliation against the latest U.S. sanctions on 14 senior Chinese officials.

Hua Chunying (华春莹), Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said during a press conference Thursday that China will impose sanctions on certain U.S. government officials, members of the Congress, staff of nongovernment organizations and their immediate family members for their “egregious” interference in Hong Kong affairs. Hua did not name the individuals.

The spokeswoman continued that China will cancel visa exemptions for U.S. diplomatic passport holders’ planning short trips to Hong Kong and Macao. (Agency report)