Beijing will discuss the interpretation of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution in a move which could pave the way for disqualifying two pro-independence lawmakers, intensifying political tensions in the Chinese territory.
China’s rubber-stamp legislature in Beijing has already added to its current agenda a discussion of Article 104 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, which requires Hong Kong’s legislators, chief executive and other members of its government to “swear to uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.”
The development, disclosed on Friday by the Hong Kong government, comes after assertions from pro-Beijing lawmakers that China could soon issue an interpretation barring two recently-elected lawmakers from retaking their oaths after they deviated from the standard pledge at their initial swearing-in ceremony in October.