Exclusive | National security law: Beijing ‘mulling’ public office ban on British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong
- Sources say plan could be raised at coming meeting of China’s top legislative body, even though it is not yet included on agenda
- Move to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system could also be discussed at the session
Officials were divided, however, on whether they should also call for a more drastic step of denying Hongkongers with such BN(O) status the right to vote in the city.
These proposals are believed to be in a suite of Hong Kong issues to be discussed when China’s top legislative body meets next week. But a final decision might not be made or announced even after the session, sources said.
No Hong Kong-related matter had been tabled as of Wednesday but sources said this could change soon. They added that while the three-day meeting might not involve immediate decisions on Hong Kong issues, delegates were expected to further deliberate Beijing’s plans, including proposed new rules about holding public office in Hong Kong, and proportionate ways to retaliate against the British government’s new pathway for the city’s residents to acquire citizenship.
