US accuses China of eroding Hong Kong autonomy

China is telling the United States to keep out of its domestic affairs, saying some people in the US are “trying to mess up Hong Kong”.

“This attempt will not prevail but will only make the Chinese people alert and annoyed,” foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing.

Lu was reacting to a report by the US State Department that China’s increased "influence and interference” in Hong Kong are eroding its autonomy.

The Hong Kong Policy Act Report said US-Hong Kong relations are based on “one country, two systems”.

“Under this system, Hong Kong is empowered to exercise autonomy in all areas except foreign policy and defense affairs,” it said.

“Hong Kong’s strong traditions of rule of law, low levels of corruption, and high levels of public safety make it a preferred choice for US businesses in the region.”

However, it said events over the past year “raised concerns that greater central government influence and interference are eroding Hong Kong’s autonomy”.

Lu said Hong Kong issues fall within China's domestic affairs.

“No foreign country can interfere,” he said.

Lu said the central government is “resolute" in carrying forward the "one country, two systems".

“It is something that won't change,” he said.

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