Mainland China, Hong Kong condemn US committee over bill that could lead to shutdown of city’s representative offices in country
- Beijing warns US to ‘step back from edge of cliff’ over what it says is clear interference in Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs
- Hong Kong has representative offices in Washington, New York and San Francisco
Beijing’s foreign ministry arm in Hong Kong and the local government have slammed a US congressional committee for approving a bill that could shut down the city’s economic and trade offices in the country.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, which analysts said could become law amid pressure caused by presidential and congressional elections next year, was among several pieces of legislation designed to target China approved by the US House foreign affairs committee.
The commissioner’s office of China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong on Thursday said it “strongly condemned and resolutely opposed the act” and urged the US to “step back from the edge of the cliff and stop pushing forward the relevant act”.
Noting the legislation called for the termination of privileges held by Hong Kong’s economic and trade offices and their closure, it said the move was a clear intervention in the city and China’s internal affairs.
“We advise the United States to clearly understand the situation, correct its position, and avoid self-inflicted setbacks,” it said, warning China would “resolutely” defend its rights.
