Beijing's Washington embassy has described as "sinister" a move by the US to extend a programme designed to offer protection to Hong Kong residents in the country from deportation.

Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the embassy in Washington, said in a statement that the Biden administration’s move further exposed the United States' “sinister intention” to undermine stability in Hong Kong and “contain China’s development”.

“We urge the US to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs,” he said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday signed off on a two-year extension to the Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Citizens plan, renewing it until January 2025.

The SAR government responded by expressing "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" towards the US move.

In a statement published on Friday afternoon, a government spokesperson also urged US authorities to stop actions that do not comply with international law. (Additional reporting by AP)
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Last updated: 2023-01-27 HKT 16:45