Just bluster? Beijing angered after Trump signs Hong Kong acts, but little sign of trade talks fallout

China takes aim at US after president signs act allowing sanctions against Hong Kong government

But Beijing still not in a rush to sign an agreement that would end their year-long trade war, analyst says

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Two American acts aimed at Hong Kong were signed into law on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Published: 12:31pm, 28 Nov 2019Updated: 12:41am, 29 Nov 2019

China on Thursday attacked the United States after President Donald Trump signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, calling it a “blatant hegemonic move”, but observers said Beijing was unlikely to retaliate in a way that would undermine the ongoing trade talks.

Trump’s signing of the legislation, which had broad support in the US, was no surprise. However, Beijing had repeatedly said there would be consequences. For now, those consequences seem to be largely anger.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned US ambassador to China Terry Branstad to make its views clear.

“For the erroneous act by the US, China will certainly take firm countermeasures and the US side will be fully responsible for all the consequences,” foreign vice-minister Le Yucheng told the envoy.

America’s ambassador to China Terry Branstad was summoned by the foreign ministry in Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China strongly urged the US not to implement the legislation to avoid damaging relations and cooperation in key sectors. He was responding to questions on whether Trump’s action would affect the ongoing trade talks.

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