BEIJING - A spokesperson for China's top legislature on Wednesday strongly condemned sanctions announced by the US Department of State on senior Chinese lawmakers.

READ MORE: HKSAR government strongly condemns so-called US sanctions

In a statement, the spokesperson for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress described the US move of using Hong Kong affairs as excuses to grossly interfere in China's internal affairs as "extremely despicable."

This is a typical case of political bullying and double standards, the spokesperson said. "We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it." 

ALSO READ: Ministry protests over US sanctions