China will be forced to take strict countermeasures if the US does not stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, TASS reports.

The United States is allegedly preparing sanctions against more than 10 Chinese officials because of the decision of the Chinese authorities to remove four opposition members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

According to her, such a decision has not been yet made.

China opposes strongly and categorically condemns US interference in China's internal affairs and US sanctions against Chinese officials under the Hong Kong pretext, she added.

Hong Kong is an integral part of China, Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and do not tolerate outside interference, the diplomat noted.

She called on the United States to stop interfering in Hong Kong and Chinese internal affairs and to avoid going down the wrong path.

If the US continues taking the wrong path, China will take strict countermeasures to protect national sovereignty and security, along with protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, she added.