Beijing adviser Maria Tam Wai-chu said people who criticised the reinterpretation were unwilling to understand the one country part of the 'one country, two systems' policy.

Ms Tam, a member of the Basic Law Committee, said: 'Hong Kong people are wearing blindfolds. They cannot see the road ahead.

'They are narrow-sighted. They can only see the 'two systems'.' Ms Tam said the protesting lawyers should learn more about Chinese law and the constitution.