HONG KONG – Hong Kong's Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the latest sanctions imposed by the US government on Chinese mainland and Hong Kong officials were "unacceptable" and "barbaric interference" in Hong Kong's internal affairs.

Cheung made the remarks while responding to a reporter's question about the latest US sanctions against four officials, two from the Chinese mainland and two from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"We've stated our position clearly when the first batch of officials was sanctioned, that is absolutely unacceptable," Cheung said, adding that the US' move was "blatant" and "barbaric" interference in the internal affairs of the Central People's Government and the HKSAR.

Cheung said it was the obligation of Hong Kong officials to protect and safeguard Hong Kong in national security, and they are "not going to be intimidated by any of these actions."

He added the sanctions were a clear breach of international practice and international law.

Cheung stepped in for Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor who headed to Macao on Monday to attend a technology and innovation forum scheduled for Tuesday.