China threatens to retaliate against US over Hong Kong

Beijing, Jun 1 (efe-epa).- China on Monday threatened to retaliate against the United States after President Donald Trump said he will no longer extend trading privileges to Hong Kong over China’s bid to exercise tighter control over the former British colony.

Last week Trump ordered his government to begin the process of eliminating the city’s special status and condemned a controversial security law proposed by Beijing.

China’s legislature approved a national security law seen as aimed at reducing the autonomy Hong Kong has enjoyed since rejoining the mainland in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” formula.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a press conference on Monday that China was “firmly opposed” to the US move.

“The announced measures severely interfere with China’s internal affairs, damage US-China relations, and will harm both sides,” he added.

He reiterated that “Hong Kong is part of China” and warned that “any words or actions by the US that harm China’s interests will meet with China’s firm counterattack”.

The controversial security law aims to ban any act of subversion against the central Chinese government in Hong Kong and to eradicate any loophole of “foreign interference” in the city.

It has been criticised by lawyers and activists who have warned that the legislation could curtail the freedoms enjoyed by the semi-autonomous city.

The legislation has already sparked protests in the city, as well as against another law that could criminalize insults to the Chinese anthem.

The Hong Kong government supports the law, while Beijing has previously warned that it will retaliate if the US adopts any form of sanction.