China's defence establishment yesterday fired a propaganda volley at the United States, saying some Americans were determined to interfere in Hong Kong ahead of the handover.
Hostile forces in the US harboured 'evil intentions' towards Hong Kong, warned a headline in the official China Defence newspaper.
'Out of a need to maintain its global strategic position, the United States is strengthening its intelligence work in Hong Kong, supporting Hong Kong's Democratic Party and fostering political forces,' the paper warned.
'Before and after Hong Kong's return, some US politicians and intermediaries will certainly stir up trouble over the Hong Kong issue.
'So-called 'democrats' within Hong Kong society will co-operate from afar with international forces hostile to China,' it said.
'We must take precautions and then wait and see. Over the past few years, some people in the United States have unceasingly spoken irresponsibly on the issue of Hong Kong and have carried out interference.