Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the administration of US President Donald Trump used the so-called sanctions against some Chinese officials to serve its own interests.

Lam voiced strong opposition against such US moves, saying they should be condemned not only by people of the HKSAR but also by the international community

Lam made the remarks during an exclusive interview with CGTN.

US earlier imposed sanctions against heads of central government agencies responsible for Hong Kong affairs and HKSAR officials, including Lam.

ALSO READ: Ma: US sanctions on HK violate international law

When asked what the US was trying to convey through the so-called sanctions, Lam said: "By now I think it's quite clear that all this is part of a ploy of the US administration for their self-serving interest."

"Hong Kong is ready point for them to do such a thing because we are such an open society and we have a small portion of people who tend to be more radical and critical of the government of the mainland," she added.

Lam voiced strong opposition against the US moves, saying they should be condemned not only by people of the HKSAR but also by the international community.

ALSO READ: US sanctions decried as barbarous, hegemonic

Talking about the postponement of the 2020 Legislative Council (LegCo) election, Lam said she knew she could address all kinds of speculations about the decision since the participation of LegCo election is always high and Hong Kong society is now going through a highly politicized and very polarized situation.

However, she stressed "nothing is more important” than people's lives.

As more than 4,500 cases had been reported since epidemic broke out in the HKSAR, Lam said she could not risk of the lives and safety of the people of Hong Kong.

She said postponing the LegCo election was the right and responsible thing to do to ensure a safe and fair election.