China weighs options as Trump backs Hong Kong legislation

China’s fury over President Donald Trump’s decision to sign legislation supporting human rights in Hong Kong is evident. What’s less clear is what “countermeasures” Beijing may take in response to what it said Thursday were “extremely evil” and dangerous moves.

Before signing bills, Trump said he was concerned that tre talks with China might be disrupted. Analysts say potential consequences could extend well beyond current round of negotiations in tariff war between world’s two largest ecomies.

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 passed both houses of Congress nearly unanimously. It amends a law passed in 1992 to buttress former British colony’s status as a semi-automous region after China took control in 1997.

It’s that special status that has enabled Hong Kong residents to take to streets in massive, often violent protests in past six months, exercising civil liberties ruling Communist Party prohibits in mainland China. law calls for sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials deemed to have abused human rights.

A separate law bans exports of tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, water canns, tasers and or “nlethal” weapons often used in riot control. China’s foreign ministry said support for protesters, who have at times paralyzed parts of city with mass transport disruptions, university occupations and clashes with police, amounts to backing for “violent criminals.”

In a reflection of Beijing’s assertion that protests are part of a foreign conspiracy, ministry said legislation should unite Chinese, including those in Hong Kong, in opposition to “sinister” U.S. intentions. legislation includes a provision that could profoundly alter U.S. treatment of Hong Kong as a separate territory for tre if an annual review by State Department determines it longer has eugh automy from Chinese mainland.

That could “have a hugely negative impact on investors in Hong Kong, matter if y’re from Hong Kong, mainland China or or countries,” said Shi Yinhong, an expert on international relations at Renmin University’s School of International Studies. Tre with China would suffer more, given Hong Kong’s status as an important financial center — a role that has been growing as relations between China and U.S. have deteriorated amid ir bruising tre war.

“ most needed prospect of certainty for business will vanish,” said Shi, who expects China to opt a tougher stance on tre and or issues. Apart from balking at furr tre talks, Beijing’s options for retaliation could include refusing to cooperate with Washington in dealings with rth Korea and Iran, recalling Chinese ambassor to U.S. or even downgring diplomatic ties, Shi said.

Trump is due to raise tariffs on $160 billion worth of Chinese products, including smartphones and laptops, as of Dec. 15. Officials on both sides were suggesting a preliminary deal to ease tre tensions was within striking distance and it’s unclear if U.S. move will directly affect those negotiations.

A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman, asked at a weekly news briefing, said re was new information to offer. So far, two sides have sought to keep Hong Kong and tre issues separate, said Tu Xinquan of University of International Business and Ecomics.

“China doesn’t want to connect two things toger,” said Tu. “China believes tre issues should t be politicized.” Trump has t devoted much attention to Hong Kong, and Chinese leers likely understand he h little option politically but to sign legislation. It’s t first time Beijing has been incensed by U.S. moves on Taiwan and or issues.

best that can be hoped for right w is to keep relations at ir current chilly level and wait to see if legislation les to actual action by Washington. Like proverbial sword of Damocles, it might t fall, said Tu. “If U.S. takes sanctions against Hong Kong based on those future reviews, China will take countermeasures,” he said. “ kind of measures will depend on how serious U.S. actions are.”