The Chinese legislature on Thursday passed a resolution called “patriots governing Hong Kong,” in a move to revise the city’s elections.
Why it’s important: The action effectively gives the Chinese Communist Party control of the Asian financial center elections, reducing democratic representation and allowing a “pro-Beijing panel to examine” patriotic “candidates, the BBC notes.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that the Biden administration “would speak out and take action against flagrant violations of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.”
- Blinken promised to “follow the sanctions” against “those responsible for committing repressive acts” in the former British colony.
By numbers: Beijing lawmakers voted 2895 zero for the Hong Kong resolution, with one abstention.
What to see: President Biden is meeting with leaders from Japan, Australia and India at a virtual summit of the so-called “Quad” this Friday, as part of efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Blinken and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will meet with two senior Chinese officials next week in Anchorage, Alaska, at the first face-to-face meeting between senior U.S. and Chinese officials since Biden took office. charge.
In depth: Cyber human rights are expected to surpass the US-China summit
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new details everywhere.