China Moves to Overhaul Hong Kong’s Elections, Suppress Dissent

National People's Congress Spokesperson Zhang Yesui is seen on large screens during a video news conference, as a precaution for COVID-19 prevention in Beijing, China, on March 4, 2021. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

Beijing is pushing ahead with a proposal to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system and allow only “patriots” to govern the city, officials announced on March 4.

Zhang Yesui, a spokesperson for the National People’s Congress, said the plan will be the seventh item on the agenda when China’s rubber-stamp legislature convenes on March 5.