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Beijing to use ‘combination punches’ when it comes to overhauling Hong Kong electoral system, says top Chinese official
- Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Li Zhanshu makes remark while delivering his work report during annual parliamentary session
- Move aimed at safeguarding constitutional order and combating those who want ‘Hong Kong independence’
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Beijing will throw “legal combination punches” to safeguard the constitutional order in Hong Kong and ensure only patriots rule the city by amending the electoral system, the chairman of China’s top legislative body said on Monday.
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Li Zhanshu made the pledge while delivering his work report as chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee during the annual parliamentary session held in Beijing.
The national legislature is expected to approve the biggest shake-up to Hong Kong’s electoral systems when the session concludes on Thursday, which officials said was primarily aimed at preventing subversion under the city’s national security law.
On Monday, Li said the overhaul was part of Beijing’s legal measures to “safeguard the constitutional order of Hong Kong” in the wake of the anti-government protests in 2019.
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Beijing tells Hong Kong leader to ‘seriously implement’ overhaul of city’s electoral system
Beijing tells Hong Kong leader to ‘seriously implement’ overhaul of city’s electoral system
The often violent civil unrest, sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill, eventually prompted Beijing to impose a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong last June, and subsequently unseat four opposition lawmakers last November.
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