U.S. sanctions 14 Chinese officials over HK; Beijing says it will retaliate

By Humeyra Pamuk and Gabriel Crossley WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) – The United States imposed financial sanctions and a travel ban on 14 Chinese officials over their alleged role in Beijing’s disqualification last month of elected opposition legislators in Hong Kong, prompting China to say it will retaliate. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing on Tuesday that Beijing would take “firm counter-measures against the malicious actions by the U.S. to safeguard our sovereignty, security and developmental rights.” She also urged the United States to withdraw the decision. The U.S. move announced on Monday, which was first reported by…