China announced their decision after the US imposed sanctions against 14 vice-chairmen of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said: "As the U.S. side exploits issues relating to Hong Kong to gravely interfere in China's internal affairs and harm China's core interests, the Chinese side decides to impose reciprocal sanctions on U.S. officials of executive branch, people of Congress and NGOs who act egregiously and bear major responsibilities on Hong Kong-related issues and their immediate family members. "

She said: "China also decides to revoke visa exemption treatment for U.S. diplomatic passport holders paying temporary visits to Hong Kong and Macao."

She warned the US not to interfere in China's 'internal affairs'.

"China once again urges the U.S. side to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs and not to go down the dangerous wrong path," she said.