Coronavirus: Beijing loyalists in Hong Kong weigh options on whether to attend top legislature and advisory body meetings

Those who attend the meetings in March must undergo seven-day quarantine in Shenzhen before being allowed to fly to the capital

Extended time away a concern for some who run their own business; at least two lawmakers say they have asked to be excused from the two sessions

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The fourth session of the 13th National People’s Congress opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5, 2021. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 6:39pm, 19 Feb 2022Updated: 3:33pm, 20 Feb 2022

Beijing loyalists in Hong Kong who have been invited to the nation’s two most important annual conferences next month are weighing their options, after being told they have to undergo a seven-day quarantine in the neighbouring city of Shenzhen before being allowed to fly into the capital.

Some who wear an extra hat as a legislator in the city are concerned whether it is advisable to be away when Hong Kong is battling a surge in coronavirus infections, noting that the financial chief is expected to unveil the annual budget on Wednesday.

Others running their own business fear urgent matters could arise during their extended absence.

The quarantine arrangement was revealed on Friday by political heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung, the city’s sole delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the country’s top legislative body.

He left on Saturday for Shenzhen, where he will serve his isolation, before flying to the capital to attend the two sessions, also known as lianghui.

The two sessions refer to the yearly meetings of the country’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress, and advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which will begin officially on March 4. The two bodies will lay out the blueprint that shapes the most critical aspects of the country, from the military and trade to the environment and economy.

Hong Kong has 36 deputies who are members of the NPC and 202 delegates invited to the advisory body’s conference.

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