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China passed legislation allowing the immediate disqualification of lawmakers in Hong Kong deemed unpatriotic and dangerous to national security, in a move that is seen as heralding the end of political opposition in the city.
The measure, approved by China’s top legislature on Wednesday, bans any member of Hong Kong’s legislative council from supporting independence, refusing to recognize Beijing’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, or seeking help from “foreign countries or foreign forces. to interfere in the affairs of the region. ” as well as “other acts that endanger national security.”
The resolution allows Hong Kong authorities to bypass the judicial system to topple lawmakers, a move that critics say will be used against opposition lawmakers who voice their disagreement over Beijing’s increased control over the semi-autonomous territory.
Minutes after Chinese state media announced the legislation, the Hong Kong government issued a statement disqualifying four pro-democracy lawmakers. Among them were Alvin Yeung of the Civic Party, Kwok Ka-ki and Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung of the Professionals Guild.
The four lawmakers had already been barred from participating in the legislative elections originally scheduled for September. The 19 opposition lawmakers in the legislative body threatened Monday to resign en masse if any of them were disqualified.
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Leung said, according to public broadcaster RTHK: “This is a sad day, but it is also a glorious day for all of us. Now we are going to resign, however, there are more Hong Kong people with aspirations, with drive, with hope, with values, who can succeed us. And I am confident that they will continue to fight for Hong Kong’s core values. “
Kwok Ka-Ki said: “Today One Country, Two Systems no longer exists. Anyone who has made this decision has to respond to history and to each person in Hong Kong. “
Dennis Kwok added: “If observing due process … fighting for democracy and human rights leads to the consequences of being disqualified, then it would be an honor for me.“
In a show of unity, 19 Democratic members of the 70-seat city legislature threatened to resign en masse Monday if any of them were disqualified. The lawmakers said they wanted to illustrate how far Beijing is willing to go to crush the opposition.
The legislation comes months after China’s legislative body passed a radical and draconian national security law that has led to dozens of arrests and an unprecedented crackdown on free speech in a city known for its civil liberties.
The disqualifications are likely to add to concerns in the West over Hong Kong’s autonomy, promised under the “one country, two systems” formula when Britain handed it over to China in 1997, as Joe Biden prepares to replace Hong Kong. Donald Trump as President of the United States. promising to promote democracy around the world.
