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Two Sessions refers to China's annual parliamentary meetings, where the two main political bodies of China - the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - reveal plans for China's policies involving the economy, military, trade, diplomacy, the environment and more.
Officials say the reforms are necessary to improve governance, but the revamp also makes the goal of universal suffrage even more distant.
Beijing-imposed electoral reform has left some feeling despondent but there is still an opportunity for dialogue that must be seized.
If Beijing’s electoral rollback is the stick while the push to resolve the housing problem – among other livelihood issues – is supposed to be the carrot, then most likely, Hong Kong people will end up with a heavy stick over their heads rather than a proper roof.
China’s rapidly ageing population means action is needed sooner rather than later as the country aims to adjust the retirement age for all to 65.
The Communist Party of China will mark its 100th anniversary in July. In this series of explainers, the South China Morning Post looks into the past, present and future of the world’s second-largest political party.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam also rejects accusations police used excessive force during the 2019 anti-government protests.
Economist warns that ‘China’s population crisis is approaching’, with ‘increasingly severe’ economic and social problems, as Beijing’s policymakers have already begun to change their tune.
Sources say proposal to suspend extradition treaties with Beijing will face resistance from some member states, notably Hungary.
But some pro-establishment legislators warn that it is also important to make sure the legislature, which will be expanded from 70 to 90 seats, is filled with experienced members.
A key amendment that raised eyebrows was the composition of a newly created 60-seat sector for grass-roots associations in the Election Committee.
City’s first secretary for justice advised judges from other common law jurisdictions working in Hong Kong to stay above the fray.
Constitutional affairs chief Erick Tsang also reveals the government is studying whether opposition district councillors who resign rather than pledge allegiance will have to return public funds.
They also have to do more to reach out to alienated supporters of the opposition who feel divisions have only deepened, members of the camp say.
City’s leader welcomes revamp as necessary to put Hong Kong back on right track and insists opposition camp can still play role in governing.
National People’s Congress Standing Committee endorses proposal expected to slash number of directly elected seats to Legislative Council, create vetting body to determine who can stand for election.
The Hong Kong-based One Country Two Systems Research Institute is hosting an event on Tuesday, which is being live streamed on scmp.com, examining China’s 14th five-year plan that was approved at the National People’s Congress earlier this month.
Mere rhetoric and repressive actions will not help the central government achieve its purpose. Any changes to the city’s DNA must be voluntary.
Beijing’s drive for technological self-sufficiency has led to an exodus of Taiwanese engineers lured away by the promise of a big salary.
Sweeping changes to the city’s electoral system so fast and furious many were caught by surprise.
Deep-seated workplace bias in China’s labour market – on the basis of gender, age and education – has led many to believe that postponing retirement could make finding and keeping a job even more difficult.
Subcommittee will be set up to immediately start discussing Beijing’s plan, including a resolution endorsed by the National People’s Congress.
The advantages of maintaining Hong Kong’s system will outweigh the threats perceived by Beijing and the Communist Party.
The pro-Beijing camp, stacked with vested interests, was never serious about solving the housing problem. The pro-democracy camp was all criticism and no solutions
It is hoped Carrie Lam will do a better job of explaining the electoral reform to Hongkongers than she did with the extradition bill.
Pan-democrats criticise government officials for not understanding the needs of Hongkongers, but appear to be just as out of touch themselves.