China says it will face US attempts to harm its interests

China has threatened to take drastic measures to respond to America’s attempts to harm its interests, against the backdrop of Washington’s decision to end Hong Kong’s special treatment and take measures against Chinese students and companies.

“Both countries benefit from bilateral cooperation, but Beijing will firmly defend its security and development interests,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Legian told reporters on Monday.

The Chinese parliament last week approved a Hong Kong security bill to curb incitement, separation, terrorism and foreign interference, and the authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong insist that the legislation will target only a small number of “rioters” who threaten China’s national security, which has angered The United States and some of the countries.

The United States threatened to impose sanctions on China if it implemented the National Security Law in Hong Kong aimed at “preventing the secession” of the city.

The European Union also called on China to respect self-government in Hong Kong.

Source: Agencies