China tells US to back off over Hong Kong

Washington (AFP) - The US and China openly clashed over the pro-democracy protests sweeping Hong Kong, with Beijing warning Washington to back off and saying it would not tolerate "illegal acts."President Barack Obama told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the United States "was following developments in Hong Kong closely" when he dropped in on a meeting between Wang and national security advisor Susan Rice, the White House said.

Obama also "expressed their hope that differences between Hong Kong authorities and protestors will be addressed peacefully."

But only hours earlier, Wang upbraided his US counterpart John Kerry, telling him the demonstrations were none of America's business.

"The Chinese government has very firmly and clearly stated its position. Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs," Wang said, with Kerry standing next to him at the State Department.

"All countries should respect China's sovereignty and this is a basic principle of governing international relations," Wang said.