Praise for disqualification of Hong Kong pro-independence lawmakers at meeting of China’s top political advisory body

CPPCC chairman Yu Zhengsheng addresses 2,000 delegates and tells them body’s support for move to oust legislators was an achievement

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This month’s annual CPPCC session is the first in the body’s 13th five-year term. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:36pm, 3 Mar 2018Updated: 11:28pm, 3 Mar 2018

The head of China’s top political advisory body on Saturday told 2,000 delegates from across the country that its support for an interpretation of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution that disqualified pro-independence lawmakers had been an achievement.

The comment by Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, came as he delivered his five-year work report at the start of the nation’s three-week annual parliamentary sessions.

Yu, who is expected to step down from the position this month, was speaking at the opening of the CPPCC’s annual meeting inside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

The report comprised three parts: a review of the national body’s work in the last five years, his reflections, as well as suggestions for the future.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong was only mentioned briefly, in the recommendations and review section, in which Yu said the CPPCC had worked “to bring together the will and strength of the people”.

Tony Cheung

Tony Cheung became a political journalist in 2007. He joined the Post in 2012, and covers Hong Kong-mainland relations, public policies and political issues. Prior to joining the Post, he was a reporter at Asia Television in Hong Kong, Beijing and Guangzhou. He holds a Master of Laws in Human Rights degree from the University of Hong Kong.

Phila Siu

Phila Siu, also known as Bobby, has been a journalist since 2009. He has reported on human rights, security, politics, and society in Hong Kong, mainland China and Southeast Asia. After nine years with the news desk, he joined Young Post in 2021 to manage its print and online revamp. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Hong Kong Baptist University and a human rights law master's degree from the University of Hong Kong.

Kimmy Chung

Kimmy Chung joined the Post in 2017 and reports for the Hong Kong desk on local politics and Hong Kong-mainland issues. Prior to joining the Post, she covered Hong Kong politics and social policies for more than six years for different media outlets.

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