Beijing demands Trump veto bills on Hong Kong

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang say China will definitely be taking 'strong countermeasures' if the US 'continues to make the wrong moves'. File photo: AFP

Beijing on Thursday demanded President Donald Trump veto legislation aimed at supporting human rights in Hong Kong and renewed a threat to take “strong countermeasures” if the bills become law.



Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act undermined both China’s interests and those of the US in the SAR.



“We urge the US to grasp the situation, stop its wrongdoing before it's too late, prevent this act from becoming law (and) immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs,” Geng said at a daily news briefing.



“If the US continues to make the wrong moves, China will be taking strong countermeasures for sure,” Geng said.



The act mandates sanctions on mainland and Hong Kong officials who carry out human rights abuses and requires an annual review of the favourable trade status that Washington grants Hong Kong.



Another bill prohibits export to Hong Kong police of certain nonlethal munitions, including tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, water cannons, stun guns and tasers.



The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the bills on Wednesday, a day after the Senate passed them on voice votes. The bills now go to the White House for Trump’s signature, and the White House has signalled that he will sign them. (AP)