Protesters Accuse Washington Of Meddling In HK

Two groups of pro-Beijing demonstrators have accused the US of intervening China's domestic affairs, by threatening sanctions over Hong Kong's imminent national security law.

They marched from Chater Garden to the US Consulate and chanted slogans, calling the US "a hooligan" and "shameless".

One group of protesters called the US the "black hand" behind Hong Kong separatists, saying it's why it smeared the national security law.

They said the law was needed to put an end to violence and chaos here.

Some protesters used black gloves with the word HK and pictures of yellow umbrellas and yellow ribbon, to symbolise the US which they blame for the protests in the SAR - and cut the gloves in half with scissors.

A third group condemned the media tycoon, Jimmy Lai, calling him a running dog and traitor, and telling him to "get out of Hong Kong".

On Friday, President Trump said he was ordering his administration to begin the process of eliminating special treatment for Hong Kong, in response to Beijing's plans to impose new security legislation in the territory.

Trump said China had broken its word over Hong Kong’s autonomy, but the Hong Kong government has accused President Trump and the US State Department of continuing to "smear and demonise" Beijing's right to safeguard national security in the SAR.

Critics of the security law say it will erode democratic freedoms, including freedom of speech and the media in the SAR.