China’s legislature has approved a resolution to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system – its latest move to tighten control over the city.
The “patriots governing Hong Kong” resolution was passed at the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Thursday.
This will reduce democratic representation and allow a pro-Beijing panel to vet and elect candidates.
Under the deal, which gave the territory freedoms not available in mainland China, Hong Kong also had its own mini-constitution and an elected parliament.
The latest Chinese move follows a series of measures that have tightened Beijing’s grip on Hong Kong, including the passing of a national security law and a crackdown on activists and opposition politicians.
Detailed legislation will now be drafted and could be enacted in Hong Kong within the next few months.
The UK says it will “hollow out the space for democratic debate” in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s parliament – or Legislative Council – helps to make Hong Kong’s laws.
It’s made up of 70 seats – but only about half are directly voted for by the public. In recent years, some of the seats have been filled by pro-democracy figures.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the dilution of elections in Hong Kong would further undermine trust in China.
