US sanctions 'gangster logic and bullying': China's top Hong Kong office

China's top representative office in Hong Kong has condemned the US’ “unreasonable meddling” in the Asian financial hub.

The Hong Kong Liaison Office released a statement on Wednesday, describing as "gangster logic and bullying" US President Donald Trump’s move to strip Hong Kong of preferential trade treatment and impose sanctions on the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

The office said the sanctions, which Trump ordered Tuesday on the pretext of the new national security law in Hong Kong, would not have a significant impact on the special administrative region, but, instead, damage the US’ own interests.

"Unreasonable meddling and shameless threats by the United States are typical gangster logic and bullying behavior," the statement said.

"No external force can block China's determination and confidence to maintain national sovereignty and security for Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability."

Trump’s move came two weeks after Hong Kong enacted a national security law that criminalizes sedition, secession, and subversion against mainland China and allows Chinese national security institutions to operate in the city for the first time since 1997, when Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule.

The US, Britain, and other Western countries have criticized the law and have moved to take action against Beijing and Hong Kong. China, however, insists that Hong Kong is a purely internal Chinese affair.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry said Wednesday Beijing will impose retaliatory sanctions against US individuals and entities after the US passed a law targeting banks which deal with Chinese officials who implement Hong Kong's security law.

ME