China said on Monday U.S. attempts to harm Chinese interests will be met with firm countermeasures, criticising a U.S. decision to begin ending special treatment for Hong Kong as well as actions against Chinese students and companies. China’s parliament last week voted to move forward with imposing national security legislation on Hong Kong, which U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday was a tragedy for the people of the city, and which violated China’s promise to protect its autonomy. Trump ordered his administration to begin the process of eliminating special U.S. treatment for Hong Kong to punish China, ranging from extradition treatment to export controls. But he stopped short of calling an immediate end to privileges that have helped the former British colony remain a global financial centre. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China firmly opposed the U.S. steps. “The announced measures severely interfere […]