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China's Two Sessions 2018
Hong Kong

‘Constitutional order’ in Hong Kong maintained, leader of China’s legislature says

In his final work report, Zhang Dejiang stays true to form in highlighting the importance of China’s constitution  

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Zhang Dejiang gives his final report to the legislature. Photo: Jason Lee
Kimmy ChungandPhila Siu

China’s legislature has staunchly maintained “constitutional order” in Hong Kong, its outgoing leader said on Sunday, joining other top officials in emphasising Beijing’s hold over the city. 

The National People’s Congress Standing Committee “has resolutely defended the constitutional order (in Hong Kong and Macau) that has been established by the constitution and the Basic Law,” Zhang Dejiang, the NPCSC’s chairman, similar to the speaker of the parliament in other countries, said in his final work report.

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Zhang, who was also the leader of the Communist Party’s Hong Kong and Macau working group for about five years, went on to say that the NPCSC has followed the constitution and the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, to issue a decision on universal suffrage in the city
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Zhang Dejiang took a “hawkish” approach to the city’s pro-independence movement. Photo: AFP
Zhang Dejiang took a “hawkish” approach to the city’s pro-independence movement. Photo: AFP

The standing committee has spelt out the “direction” and “basic arrangements” for the city to develop democracy gradually, he said.

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Zhang was referring to the NPCSC’s decision for a tougher-than-expected framework for Hong Kong’s chief executive election, which pushed public anger to breaking point and sparked the Occupy Central protests that paralysed the city for 79 days.
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