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How Trump's support for Hong Kong protesters angered China

Donald Trump has signed a law backing pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong. The Human Rights and Democracy Act is aimed at protecting Hong Kong's autonomy and its special trade status.

It requires the US State Department to conduct an annual review to certify that China is not infringing on Hong Kong’s rights and threatens sanctions if the territory's freedoms are quashed in any way.

Hong Kong's government said that the legislation will send a wrong signal to protesters and will not help ease the riots. The reaction in China was even stronger, with threats of retaliation and "countermeasures".

Professor Joseph Cheng from the City University in Hong Kong said Mr Trump's move was a morale booster for the protesters.

(Picture: Hong Kong protests. Credit: Dale De La Rey/AFP via Getty Images)

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