File photo shows the national flags of China (R) and the United States in Washington, D.C., capital of the United States. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang on Tuesday summoned Robert Forden, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in China, to lodge solemn protest and strong condemnation over the U.S. so-called sanctions against 14 vice chairpersons of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee.
"The move by the U.S. side has severely violated the basic norms governing international relations, interfered in China's internal affairs, and harmed China-U.S. relations," said Zheng, adding that the act is outrageous, unscrupulous and vile.
"China expresses strong indignation and condemnation against it," Zheng said.
