Chinese ambassador to US defends plan to bar ‘unpatriotic’ candidates in Hong Kong and says concerns about democracy are ‘unnecessary’

Cui Tiankai argues in article for South China Morning Post that Beijing has ‘always been broad-minded towards those with different political opinions’

Ambassador argues that fears the move will undermine democracy in the city are ‘completely unnecessary’

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People wearing face masks near a screen showing China’s ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai at the Lanting Forum. Photo: Andy Wong

Published: 8:30pm, 14 Mar 2021Updated: 1:14am, 15 Mar 2021

China’s ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai has said concerns over the erosion of Hong Kong’s democracy are “completely unnecessary”.

In an opinion piece for the South China Morning Post on Sunday, the ambassador defended an overhaul of the city’s electoral system that critics fear will freeze out dissenting voices.

A resolution rubber-stamped by the National People’s Congress last week will effectively shut out opposition members deemed “unpatriotic” and change the means by which the city’s chief executive and legislators are chosen in ways likely to benefit Beijing loyalists.

“The NPC’s decision will lead to a new electoral system that suits Hong Kong’s realities and reflects the overall interests of society,” Cui wrote.

“The principle of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ does not mean that we will drive out diversity. ‘Patriots’ covers a wide scope, and we have always been broad-minded towards those with different political opinions.”

Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the US. Photo: AFP