Beijing goes on attack, accusing US lawmakers of ‘sinister intention to destroy Hong Kong’
- Foreign ministry, legislature, Beijing’s Hong Kong policy office and state media slam House of Representatives as it passes Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Bill
- National People’s Congress says US ignored ‘radical forces and violent elements’ after ministry denies Hong Kong has human rights and democracy issues
The Chinese government went on the offensive with fiery statements issued by the foreign ministry, national legislature, Beijing’s top office on Hong Kong policy and state media against the lower chamber of the US Congress for “interfering in China’s internal affairs” by passing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
If signed into law, it would assess annually whether Hong Kong’s autonomy from mainland China justified its special trade status with the United States, potentially sanction the city’s leaders, and allow peaceful protesters visas to the US even if they had been arrested.
“With regards to the incorrect decision by the US, China must take strong countermeasures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty, safety and developmental interests,” foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. “If the relevant bill is ultimately passed into law, not only will it harm Chinese interests but it will damage China-US relations and seriously damage the US’ own interests.”
The foreign ministry said that Hong Kong did not face “so-called human rights and democracy issues”, but that some in the US harboured “sinister intentions to destroy Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and to contain China’s development”.