HONG KONG -- The democracy movement in Hong Kong faces possible extinction with China expected to unveil wide-ranging changes to the city's election process at the National People's Congress starting Friday, the latest move by Chinese President Xi Jinping to quash dissent in the once-autonomous territory.
Chinese officials have recently spoken on the importance of having "patriots" in charge, fueling speculation that Beijing seeks to lock out critics of the Communist Party from leadership posts here. Critics say the retreat on democracy could drive talent abroad and undermine the city's status as a global financial hub.