CHINA promised to take “all necessary countermeasures” if the United States presses ahead with legislation penalising banks that do business with state officials following the introduction of Hong Kong’s new national security law.

Yesterday’s warning came after the US Senate unanimously passed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act on Wednesday as Washington’s latest anti-China measures received bipartisan support.

The legislation, which has now been passed to US President Donald Trump for approval, provides for sanctions against individuals and institutions that do business with those responsible for implementing the national security law.

Implemented on Wednesday, the new law marks a break with Hong Kong’s colonial past.

Its passage through the Chinese National People’s Congress followed last year’s violent unrest, in which rioters attacked trade union buildings, hospitals and people believed to be supporters of the Beijing government.

China has consistently warned the US to back away from its meddling.

“This US move has grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs and seriously violated international law, as well as the basic norms governing international relations,” said the foreign affairs committee of the National People’s Congress.

“If the US side is bent on going down the wrong path, China will resolutely respond with all necessary countermeasures.”