China has accused Donald Trump of “gross interference” in Hong Kong’s affairs after the US president said protesters simply wanted democracy for the semi-autonomous region.

Yesterday, hundreds of protesters stormed the headquarters of the city’s legislative council, smashing windows and pictures, amid growing anger over an extradition bill with mainland China.

Mr Trump told reporters that the protesters were “looking for democracy” but added that “some governments don’t want democracy”, in an apparent criticism of China’s strict political rule.

The demonstration, which was dispersed with teargas by police, marked the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

The controversial extradition bill would allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China; a change Hong Kong’s government claims is necessary to stop the city becoming a safe haven for criminals.

Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures An anti-extradition bill protester pour water on tear gas as they attend a march in Hong Kong Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police restrain an angry passenger who tried to fight with protesters who interrupted subway services during the morning commute in Hong Kong on July 30 AP Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters face off with police during the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 28 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters are seen in a stairwell after one is injured by police during the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 28 Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police fire tear gas at protesters during the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 28 EPA Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Two police officers are surrounded by protesters on a subway platform in Hong Kong on July 30 AP Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police officers form a barricade during the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 28 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters employ the help of road signs to form a barricade during the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 28 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A medic is attended to after being injured by police during the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 28 Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters are seen wearing helmets on a subway train in Hong Kong on July 30 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters smash glass doors and windows of the Legislative Council Complex in Hong Kong. Anti-extradition protesters broke into the the city's legislature and thousands more gathered to march in opposition to the city's China-backed government during the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kongs return to Chinese rule Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police fire tear gas at protesters near the government headquarters AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A protester defaces the Hong Kong emblem AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters try to break into the Legislative Council of Hong Kong during a protest on the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the territory to China from Britain on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Black-clad riot police fired tear gas as they charged anti-government protesters in the early hours of the morning AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A general view of the main chamber after protesters break into the Legislative Council building EPA Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters graffiti the Legislative Council Complex Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police fire tear gas at protesters near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 2, 2019. - Riot police fired tear gas as they attempted to dislodge anti-government protesters in the early hours of the morning of July 2 in chaotic scenes in the heart of Hong Kong. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP)ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images ANTHONY WALLACE AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Inside the Legislative Council building EPA Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters put up a sign AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Members of the press take pictures of a protest banner that says 'there are no violent people, only violent governance' EPA Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters storm the Legislative Council building during a protest in Hong Kong on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A protester forces their way through a window into the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police officers look out from behind windows damaged by protesters in the entrance to the Legislative Council in Hong on July 1 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police officers stand guard behind the entrance to the Legislative Council in Hong Kong as protesters try to force entry. One officer holds a sign that reads: "Stop charging or we use force" EPA Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters storm the Legislative Council building during a protest in Hong Kong on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters wield makeshift shields during a clash with police on the 22nd anniversary of the territory's handover to China from Britain on July 1 Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters holding umbrellas face-off against riot police in Hong Kong on July 1 AP Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters smash a window of the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong on July 1 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A protester wielding a makeshift shield looks back at the damage caused to the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters gather to take part in the annual pro-democracy rally that is held in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the handover of the territory from Britain to China on July 1 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police officers use force in an attempt to disperse protesters during a protest in Hong Kong on the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the territory from Britain to China on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Anti-extradition bill protesters stand behind a barricade near the Legislative Council of Hong Kong on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Police officers look out from behind windows damaged by protesters in the entrance to the Legislative Council in Hong on July 1 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters try to break into the Legislative Council of Hong Kong during a protest on the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the territory to China from Britain on July 1 Reuters Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters rest outside the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on July 1 EPA Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A protester shouts in front of police outside the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on July 1 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A group of anti-extradition bill protesters holding umbrellas gather outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 1 AFP/Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures A protester waves a black version of the Hong Kong flag outside of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong on July 1 Getty Turbulent protests continue in Hong Kong: In pictures Anti-extradition bill protesters march in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the territory's handover to China on July 1 Reuters

However, activists who oppose the bill have warned it would erode the city’s judicial independence and have expressed concerns over the legitimacy of mainland China’s justice system.

Since early June, the protests have expanded to a more general criticism of Beijing’s influence in Hong Kong over fears the region may lose rights it has been granted that are not seen on the mainland.

As a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong has separate economic and governing systems from the mainland and its citizens enjoy civil rights that are not granted to mainland citizens.

In response to Mr Trump’s comments, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “We deplore and strongly oppose the relevant country’s gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.”

He added that China warns “the relevant country to speak and act cautiously and stop interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs in any form”.

Mr Trump said he spoke briefly with Chinese president Xi Jinping about the Hong Kong protests at the G20 summit in Japan, adding that he thought the demonstrations were “very sad to see”.

The dispute comes amid an ongoing trade war between the US and China, in which Mr Trump has imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese products.

Protesters attempt to smash into Hong Kong legislature

In recent days, China has indicated it is prepared to take a tougher line against the demonstrations, after previously playing down their significance.

Beijing strongly backed Hong Kong’s administration on Tuesday, saying protesters who occupied and vandalised the city’s legislature had committed “serious illegal acts” and urging the administration to investigate the “criminal responsibility of violent offenders”.

The central government also voiced support for Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, and the city’s police force in dealing with the incident in accordance with law, Mr Geng said.

"The violent attacks ... are serious illegal acts that trample on the rule of law and endanger social order. We strongly condemn it," Mr Geng told reporters at a daily briefing.

In response to the protests, Ms Lam has suspended the extradition bill, but has stopped short of withdrawing it permanently.

The central government has also condemned the UK after Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, called on China to honour its commitment to protect freedoms in Hong Kong.

"We can make it clear we stand behind the people of Hong Kong in defence of the freedoms that we negotiated for them when we agreed to the handover in 1997 and we can remind everyone that we expect all countries to honour their international obligations," Mr Hunt told Reuters on Tuesday, when asked what Britain could do.

He added that he hoped to avoid sanctions on China but called for the government of Hong Kong to listen to the "legitimate concerns" of its people.

On Monday, China said Britain no longer has any responsibility for Hong Kong and needed to stop "gesticulating" about the city.

Mr Geng reiterated that message today, saying China would be "unswerving in [its] determination to oppose foreign interference."

“We demand the UK reflect upon the consequences of its mistaken words and deeds and stop interfering in Hong Kong’s and China’s internal affairs in any form," he said.