The White House is closely monitoring a situation described by an administration official as a “congregation of Chinese forces on Hong Kong’s border,” according to a report Tuesday.

The reason for the buildup, which includes the Chinese military or armed police, was not clear but came amid violent protests in the region, Bloomberg reported.

Chinese mainland government claimed the violence was a “creation of the US,” an allegation the administration official denied.

The developments come as President Trump attempts to iron out a trade deal with China and just as the two nations resumed negotiations in Shanghai.

Protests began eight weeks ago when the city-state’s executive, Carrie Lam, tried to win passage of a law allowing extraditions to the mainland.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the Chinese to “do the right thing” in managing the protests that have seen tear gas deployed by police. Meanwhile, supporters have gathered outside a court in Hong Kong ahead of a court appearance by more than 40 protesters who have been charged with rioting.

With Post wires