China finalized a sweeping overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reportedly as authorities seek to ensure "patriots" rule the global financial hub.
China's top decision-making body approved sweeping new changes to Hong Kong's electoral system on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.
The measures are part of Beijing's efforts to consolidate its increasingly authoritarian grip over the former British colony.
It follows the introduction of a national security law last year which critics see as a tool to crush dissent.
China's rubber-stamp parliament first approved the plan during the National People's Congress earlier this month.
The reforms are intended to ensure that only "patriots" govern the city.
There will be a vetting committee which will assess a candidate's loyalty to Beijing.
The changes will see the number of directly elected representatives fall to 20 from 35, but the size of the legislature will increase to 90 from 70.
An election committee - responsible for selecting the chief executive - will increase from 1,200 to 1,500.
The representation of 117 community-level district councillors in the committee will be scrapped.
Chinese authorities have said the shake-up will get rid of "loopholes and deficiencies" that threatened national security during anti-government unrest in 2019.
But critics say the changes leave the democractic opposition with the most limited space it has ever had since the handover.
Watch as the United States takes a stand against the crackdown on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong by imposing new visa restrictions on multiple officials. Stay updated on the latest developments in the ongoing tensions between the US and China over the situation in the Chinese-ruled territory.
#USNews #HongKong #USVisa #HongKongVisa #VisaRestrictions #USVisaRestrictions #RightsCrackdown #UnitedStatesofAmerica #Oneindia
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Hong Kong Passes , New Security Law.
On March 19, lawmakers in Hong Kong unanimously passed Article 32.
The national security bill
"punishes treason, sabotage, sedition,
the theft of state secrets and espionage
with up to life imprisonment," Reuters reports. .
The legislation will go into effect on March 23.
John Lee, a political leader
in the country, referred to the new law
as a "historic moment for Hong Kong.".
However, critics say that the
new legislation could be utilized to
"eliminate dissent through the fear of arrest
and detention," restricting free speech and more.
However, critics say that the
new legislation could be utilized to
"eliminate dissent through the fear of arrest
and detention," restricting free speech and more.
On March 14, the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China wrote Secretary of State Antony Blinken to oppose the new laws.
The commission also urged the American government to "take additional steps to protect American citizens and businesses," Reuters reports. .
An ever-expanding notion of national
security will only make Hong Kong less safe
for U.S. businesses and citizens living in
Hong Kong as well as Hong Kongers seeking
to exercise their fundamental freedoms, The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission
on China, via letter to Antony Blinken .
China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner's
office responded to the criticism. .
China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner's
office responded to the criticism. .
Immediately stop the political
manipulation and interference
in Hong Kong affairs, China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner's office, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
China to Send Pandas , to San Diego Zoo.
On Feb. 22, China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, said that the China Wildlife Conservation Association...
... has made deals regarding "a new round of international cooperation for giant panda conservation" with both the San Diego Zoo and the Madrid Zoo, NBC News reports. .
The resurgence of "panda diplomacy" comes as only four pandas remained in the U.S. at Zoo Atlanta. .
Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji left the National Zoo in November, and Ya Ya left the Memphis Zoo in April, NBC News reports. .
One male panda and one female panda could arrive in San Diego by the end of summer.
We are humbled by the potential
opportunity of continuing our
collaborative conservation efforts
to secure the future for giant pandas. , Megan Owen, vice president of wildlife conservation science
at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, via statement.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign
Ministry also issued a statement.
We look forward to further expanding
the results of scientific research on
the protection of endangered species
such as the giant panda.., Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via news briefing.
... through the new round of
international cooperation,
promoting people-to-people
connectivity and enhancing civilian
friendship with relevant countries, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via news briefing.
NBC News reports that there are currently about 600 pandas in captivity around the globe and 1,800 in the wild
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The three-day visit of Germany's leader to China comes after Beijing slammed the EU as “reckless” following investigations into whether state subsidies are giving Chinese companies an unfair advantage.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 02:27Published
Organisers of the Beijing half marathon will investigate allegations that three African athletes deliberately allowed China's star runner He Jie to win Sunday's.. BBC Sport
China Sets Aggressive, Economic Growth , Target for 2024.
Associated Press reports that China has
said it aims to achieve 5% economic growth
in 2024, despite facing many challenges.
Premier Li Qiang outlined plans to boost
China's economy while addressing the annual
session of the National People's Congress.
Premier Li Qiang outlined plans to boost
China's economy while addressing the annual
session of the National People's Congress.
The plan includes increased spending on
developing advanced technology, fortifying
the military and other longstanding goals.
According to Li, the Chineses government
would continue with a "pro-active fiscal
policy and prudent monetary policy.”.
The plan looks to boost growth by issuing
long-term bonds over several years,
beginning with about $139 billion in 2024.
Those bonds would be used to
implement "major national strategies"
and boost security "in key areas.".
The plans also include a "new development model"
aimed at easing a prolonged real estate slump
by building government-subsidized housing.
The foundation for China’s sustained
economic recovery is not yet stable,
with insufficient effective demand,
overcapacity in some industries,
weak social expectations, and still
many risks and hidden dangers, Li Qiang, Chinese Premier, via Associated Press.
The foundation for China’s sustained
economic recovery is not yet stable,
with insufficient effective demand,
overcapacity in some industries,
weak social expectations, and still
many risks and hidden dangers, Li Qiang, Chinese Premier, via Associated Press.
According to a draft budget, an additional
$231 billion would be set aside for defense
spending, representing a 7.2% increase from 2023. .
According to a draft budget, an additional
$231 billion would be set aside for defense
spending, representing a 7.2% increase from 2023. .
The underlying trend of economic
recovery and long-term growth
remains unchanged and will not
change. So we must be more confident
and more assured of ourselves, Li Qiang, Chinese Premier, via Associated Press
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This is the action movie moment a jet ski is being chased by marine police in circles in the middle of a shipping channel in Hong Kong on September 19, 2020.
From Hong Kong, South China Morning Post CEO Gary Liu tracks China's response to the coronavirus pandemic -- from the initial outbreak in Wuhan to the shutdown of Hubei province and the containment..
Someday Isles Movie Trailer - Plot synopsis: “Someday Isles” is a Feature Film Visual Album detailing the chaotic journey of PayAttenion coming to terms with his life’s purpose by embracing his..