Beijing could intervene in Hong Kong affairs if serious political problems emerge, Chinese expert warns
Basic Law Committee member tells seminar in the city that intervention becomes possible if problems endanger national sovereignty and security
A leading mainland constitutional scholar and adviser to Beijing has warned that the central government may have to intervene in Hong Kong affairs if the city’s political problems become unmanageable and threaten national security.
The warning yesterday from Peking University law professor Rao Geping came as Wang Zhenmin, the legal chief of Beijing’s liaison office, gave a public assurance that the central government was not trying to turn Hong Kong into just another Chinese city.
In a pre-recorded video speech, Rao, a key member of the Basic Law Committee under the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said there was “no reason to suspect” that Beijing would easily give up the “one country, two systems” policy.
“But we cannot completely rule out other possibilities. For example, if ... something that seriously endangers national sovereignty and security emerges in Hong Kong and the city’s government is unable to handle it, how would Beijing react?” he said.