Emerging market stocks fell on Wednesday as tensions flared again between Washington and Beijing, adding to uncertainty over whether the two sides can end a trade dispute that is one of the biggest risks to global economic growth.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would raise tariffs again if no trade deal was reached, while Beijing on Wednesday condemned U.S. legislation aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong, vowing to take steps to safeguard its sovereignty. 

"There is a possibility that this is not going to create a barrier to negotiating at least a 'phase one' trade deal, but there is also a risk that the opposite happens, and the market is now focusing on the risk rather than the opportunity," said Cristian Maggio, head of emerging market strategy at TD Securities.

The Russian rouble and Turkish lira eased against a firmer dollar, while currencies in central and eastern European economies including Hungary, Poland and Romania dipped to the euro. 

Conflicting headlines on whether trade Sino-U.S. negotiations are making headway, coupled with political tensions in Turkey and anti-government protests in Hong Kong, have kept investors in emerging markets on edge over the past few weeks.

An index of developing world stocks is eyeing its smallest monthly gain in three, while a basket tracking their currencies  is on track to post a decline after gaining for two months in a row.

Stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong closed down after rising for two straight sessions, while shares in South Korea .KS11 shed 1.3% to log their worst day in more than a month. The country is generally sensitive to trade-related news, given its reliance on tech exports.

The South African rand fell about 0.7% as headline consumer inflation slowed to 3.7% in October from 4.1% in September. The currency has been rattled this month by signs that the economy was flagging. 

Investors' attention is now turning to major central banks for further clues on monetary policy. Minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting are due on Wednesday, while ECB chief Christine Lagarde delivers her first major speech on Friday.

Russian stocks shed more than half a percent in early trading on low oil prices, but recovered to trade marginally higher as Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), forecast a potential increase in global oil demand. 

Russia's Gazprom, the world's top gas producer, jumped 7% after a report that it was considering selling more of the treasury shares it holds on its balance sheet this year. 

(Reporting by Sagarika Jaisinghani in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill) ((Sagarika.Jaisinghani@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 6749 0613;))