China Cracks Down On Protesters, Passes Law To Suppress Hong Kong’s Independence

In a move clearly undermining Hong Kong’s independence, China has passed an interpretation of its Basic Law that will now bar the recently elected pro-independence lawmakers from taking office in Hong Kong’s legislature.

China’s top legislative body took this step after lawmakers Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung, who represent the Youngspiration political party, were elected to Hong Kong’s legislative council in September.

A spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said the adoption of the interpretation related to Article 104 of Basic Law of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was “absolutely necessary”.

It reflects “the central government's firm determination and will in opposing 'Hong Kong independence”.

The interpretation "safeguards the authority of the Basic Law and the rule of law in Hong Kong" and "complies with the common aspiration of the entire Chinese people, including the compatriots in Hong Kong", the spokesperson added.

Hong Kong police had fired pepper spray at protestors throwing bottles and road cones in the clashes near China's representative office on Sunday night where activists had gathered to demonstrate against Beijing's attempts to stop a fledgling independence movement.

This conflict is the latest in a deepening rift between Beijing and Hong Kong over how much autonomy the city should have. People in Hong Kong have been protesting against Chinese government's interventionist policies. Hong Kong was handed over to China by the UK in 1997 under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ plan that gives the city an autonomous status. The Basic Law, Hong Kong’s own constitution, separates it administratively and legally from mainland China.