Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng on November 28 summoned U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad to lodge 'stern representations and strong protest' against the United States signing of the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 into law. He said "China strongly urges the U.S. to correct its mistake and make a fresh start, not to put the Act into effect, and immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs or interfering in China's other internal affairs so as to avoid making further damages to bilateral ties and cooperation in important areas between China and the United States." He warned that "China will take countermeasures in response and the U.S. must bear all the consequences that may ensue". Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng called the United States' action "a severe interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs. It is also in serious violation of the international law and basic norms governing international relations. It is a gross hegemonic move" and "the Chinese government and the people express strong indignation and firm opposition against it."