Hong Kong's political reform debate casts NPC standing committee into spotlight
City holds its breath as political overhaul is discussed in Beijing meeting this week
The role of the National People's Congress Standing Committee in Hong Kong's political reform has recently been cast back into the spotlight, as it deliberates the reform framework in a week-long meeting that opens today.
The NPC - China's national legislature and its "highest organ of state power" - comprises about 3,000 deputies across the nation, who meet for a plenary session each spring.
When the NPC is not in session, the Standing Committee - which comprises about 170 members that represent the nation's localities and ethnic groups - meets once every two months to discuss legislative matters.
These include interpreting and proposing amendments to the nation's laws, including the constitution and the Basic Law. It also provides its views on development plans when necessary.
According to the Basic Law - Hong Kong's mini-constitution - the Standing Committee has the power to declare a state of emergency in the city, if turmoil in Hong Kong endangers national unity or security and is beyond the local government's control.