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China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the United States' imposition of restrictions on China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing on Monday.

These actions go against the fundamental benefits of the Chinese and American people, Hua added.

The spokesperson's comments came after the U.S. State Department said on December 4 that it had terminated five cultural exchange programs with China in the latest move targeting cultural exchange activities between the two countries.

On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also voiced firm opposition and strong condemnation after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced visa sanctions on officials from the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

China will take the necessary and legitimate measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development rights, Hua said.