Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In response to a request for background regarding the Chinese Foreign Ministry's decision announced on Saturday to impose countermeasures on certain Canadian organizations and personnel, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Monday that Canada had recently sanctioned Chinese individuals under the pretext of so-called "human rights violations." In accordance with China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, and in order to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and organizations, China had decided to impose countermeasures against the relevant Canadian organizations and personnel, said Mao.

Mao added that we once again strongly urge Canada to stop interfering in China's internal affairs in any way and to cease the political manipulation of human rights issues.

China has decided to impose countermeasures against two Canadian organizations as well as 20 personnel from these organizations in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, according to a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. The decision took effect on December 21, 2024.

Global Times