Hong Kong election reform key to 'one country, two systems': Beijing

Chinese advisory body emphasizes 'patriot' rule in territory ahead of meeting

Pro-democracy activists campaign for a primary election in Hong Kong in July 2020. Electoral reforms in the territory could bar candidates who are not loyal to the central Chinese government from running in future races. © Reuters

IORI KAWATE, Nikkei staff writer

March 4, 2021 04:21 JST

BEIJING -- Electoral reform in Hong Kong is a necessary step to ensure the "one country, two systems" framework develops in the right direction, a spokesperson for China's top advisory body said Wednesday, as Beijing doubles down against dissent in the territory.

Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, spoke to reporters ahead of the body's weeklong session that begins Thursday.