Hong Kong National Security Law
By Yonden Lhatoo, Chief News Editor South China Morning Post
| Dear Reader |
| It’s a done deal now. Hong Kong’s entire political structure will be overhauled after China’s top legislative body last week approved fundamental and far-reaching changes to the city’s electoral system. Several of the key elements in the shakeup were expected, but there were some surprises and eyebrow-raising details as well. In a nutshell, the number of directly elected seats will be slashed to ensure more pro-Beijing representation in the legislature, a powerful new post will be created to head a far more influential Election Committee, and a vetting body will be established to screen out candidates deemed to be unpatriotic. The fallout has gone global, which is to be expected as the US and its Western allies ramp up their wider campaign against China, while both the Beijing and local governments are doubling down in defiance, insisting this is an internal matter and the tough steps being taken now are long overdue after the protest chaos of 2019. Is this the “end of democracy†in the city, as opposition politicians and critics have complained, or is it a welcome reboot that will put Hong Kong back on track for a better future? Our comprehensive coverage looks into all the implications and more. Hope you’ve had a good Easter break. Visit scmp.com if you need to catch up on anything you’ve missed during the holiday, or if you’re looking for the latest. Yonden Lhatoo, Chief News Editor |
SOURCE: SCMP
