NPC Chairman Praises HK's Electoral Overhaul

The chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Li Zhanshu on Tuesday said the constitutional order and rule of law in Hong Kong were strengthened last year to better ensure the central government exercises its comprehensive jurisdiction over the SAR.

Delivering his annual work report during the ongoing NPC session in Beijing, Li referred to the overhaul of the electoral system of Hong Kong, which includes the vetting of candidates running for public office and increasing the number of seats in the Legislative Council.

"For the new election law, it makes sure patriots govern Hong Kong. It fundamentally promoted the HKSAR’s governance based on the country's constitution and the Basic Law, and that ensures the genuine implementation of the policy of One Country, Two Systems," Li told NPC deputies.

"It has initiated a new phase of our support for the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and for Hong Kong’s integration into China’s overall development.”

In the work report, the NPC chairman also said China's legislature had engaged in communications with the parliaments in a number of countries to promote substantial cooperation on issues related to Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the South China Sea, Covid-19 and human rights.

"We have clarified China’s positions on those issues and fought against subversion and other illegal activities. We remain committed to fighting any of the activities that aim at subverting the socialist system of China,” he said.