China accuses US of 'sinister intentions' after Trump signs Hong Kong pro-rights bill

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday it was opposed to the US government's signing of a bill supporting Hong Kong protesters' rights into law and accused the Trump administration of having "sinister intentions".

The Ministry also said that the American "plot" was "doomed to fail", while emphasising that Hong Kong was a part of China althrough Beijing continued to support its “one country, two systems” policy.

US President Donald Trump signed the bill into law on Wednesday evening, together with another bill that banned the sale of munitions such as tear gas and rubber bullets to the Hong Kong police department.

In a statement released by the White House, Trump said, “I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong. They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all.”

According to a translation from CNBC, Chinese state media said that officials were focusing on protecting Hong Kong’s stability

“We are officially telling the US and the handful of opposition politicians in Hong Kong who follow America’s lead to not underestimate our determination to protect Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, don’t underestimate our belief to protect the ‘one country, two systems policy’ and don’t underestimate our capabilities and strategies in protecting our country’s sovereignty, safety, growth and rights,” the foreign ministry said.

“This so-called bill will only make the Chinese people, including our compatriots in Hong Kong, further understand the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the United States. It will only make the Chinese people more united and make the American plot doomed to fail,” it added.

The signing came just as both sides were reportedly but a step away from reaching a preliminary trade deal.

Beijing warned that the United States would shoulder the consequences of China’s countermeasures if it continued to “act arbitrarily” in regards to Hong Kong. It remained unclear if the trade deal could be jeopardised as a result.