Basic Law oath-taking interpretation a major achievement, National People's Congress head says

Zhang Dejiang says interpretation embodied the will of 1.3 billion Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty

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Zhang Dejiang vows that any independence moves in Hong Kong will be crushed. Photo: Simon Song

Published: 5:00pm, 8 Mar 2017Updated: 11:29pm, 8 Mar 2017

The head of China’s top legislature has declared the Basic Law interpretation that effectively banned two separatist lawmakers was a “major achievement” reflecting the firm will of all Chinese people against Hong Kong independence.

In his annual work report yesterday, National People’s Congress Chairman Zhang Dejiang said the interpretation “had embodied the firm will of 1.3 billion Chinese people to safeguard” national sovereignty.

Highlighting the interpretation as among the NPC’s top six achievements, Zhang’s message was to his mainland audience, of Beijing’s determination to quash such renegade sentiments in the city.

As part of this tougher stance against the city, the NPC also announced on Wednesday that those running for election to be Hong Kong deputies to the national legislature next year must pledge allegiance to the nation and declare they did not receive foreign funds.

The new rules – which were not explicitly spelt out for other deputies – come months after the NPC Standing Committee handed down a Basic Law ruling that banned two lawmakers, Baggio Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching, for their insults and antics during their oath-taking.

The oath-taking saga started when Baggio Leung (left) and Yau Wai-ching insulted the country. They were later disqualified from Legco. Photo: Nora Tam