The Human Rights and Democracy Act requires the State Department to annually certify that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to justify favourable US trading terms. It also threatens sanctions for human rights violations.
Trump signed the legislation – which comes just as the world's top two economies edge towards a trade truce – under heavy pressure from Congress.
Beijing summoned the US ambassador, warning Washington not to implement the legislation.
Trump has just signed a bill aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong. Here's what to know https://t.co/vbLuslwzwh
TIME (@TIME) November 28, 2019
"The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.
"China strongly urges the US side to correct mistakes and change course."
Meanwhile Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government said the legislation sent the wrong signal to demonstrators and "clearly interfered" with the city's internal affairs.
