"These acts undermine the international rules-based order," read a statement issued by US State Secretary Antony Blinken.

"We support and stand with those who speak out on behalf of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief," he said.

Blinken said: "The United States is committed to defending human rights around the world and will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools to promote accountability."

Blinken also showed solidarity with the members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and said :"The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) sanctions last month on four US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commissioners, including Chair Nadine Maenza, Vice Chair Nury Turkel, and Commissioners Anurima Bhargava and James W. Carr, constitute yet another PRC affront against universal rights."

"The PRC has previously sanctioned three other current or former USCIRF commissioners, in addition to dozens of current or former US officials and organizations promoting democracy and respect for human rights around the world – all of which are without merit.  We remain undeterred by these actions, and we stand in solidarity with USCIRF and its staff," he said.