China noted on Friday it will retaliate against US officials and institutions after Washington imposed sanctions on three local officials of the ruling Communist Party over human rights abuses, AP reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters that China will “definitely fight back” actions that it considers to be interference in its internal affairs and that threaten its sovereignty, security and development interests.

Zhao noted China “strongly opposes and condemns” the Trump administration’s decision to ban the three officials from entering the US.

“In response to the wrong practice of the U.S., China decided to take reciprocal measures against the relevant U.S. institutions and individuals who performed badly on the Xinjiang-related issues,” Zhao added.