Washington: China threatened ‘firm countermeasures’ after US President Donald Trump signed a law Wednesday supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, just as Washington was hoping to ease a US-China trade war.
###
Trump had seemed reluctant to sign the bill but with almost unanimous US congressional support for the measure, he had little political room to maneuver.
###
In a statement, Trump spoke of “respect” for Chinese President Xi Jinping and said he hoped the “leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences.”
###
China warned Thursday that it was ready to take “firm countermeasures” against the United States after Trump’s move.
###
“The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions,” the foreign ministry said in a statement, without specifying what measures Beijing might take.
###
Hong Kong’s government on Thursday expressed “extreme regret” at the decision. accusing Washington of “interfering” in the city’s domestic affairs.
###
“The two acts are obviously interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs,” a government official said in a statement, warning the move would “send the wrong message to the protesters”
###