Presenting his annual work report, the Prime Minister said Beijing adheres to “the letter and spirit” of the “One Country, Two Systems principle.” Hong Kong would enjoy more autonomy within the People’s Republic in this.
Wang Chen, Vice-President of the People’s Congress, anticipated far-reaching restrictions on the Hong Kong electoral system. He says this is necessary to address “loopholes and shortcomings” within the current system, in which “destabilizing and anti-Chinese elements” would have undermined national security.
The new system would give Hong Kong’s chief executive, the chief executive, the power to appoint some of the MPs. The other candidates would not be allowed to appear on the ballot paper until after the nomination of the chief executive. “Hong Kong must be run by patriots,” Wang said.
Reforms
In the past week, 47 pro-democracy activists, including several former parliamentarians, were brought to trial for alleged violations of last year’s security law. They were charged with what Beijing has interpreted as “state-subversive behavior.” The activists had participated in democratic primaries, in which 600,000 Hong Kongers voted.
It became clear that the Hong Kong elections are being postponed again. Last fall, according to authorities, it was because of corona. According to Hong Kong media, the authorities would like to take the time to implement the far-reaching reforms in the system.
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