Beijing-Led Electoral Reforms for Hong Kong Redefine 'Democracy,' Critics Say

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Hong Kong’s legislature will undergo major changes to its format and structure as a result of Beijing's approval of a political shakeup that will expand its control over the semiautonomous city.

China’s National People's Congress, the Communist Party's rubber-stamp legislative body, passed a resolution earlier this month proposing the overhaul, which would make it harder for candidates from Hong Kong’s pro-democracy opposition to be elected. The revamp, signed into law Tuesday by President Xi Jinping, reduces the number of directly elected seats on Hong Kong’s Legislative Council and increases the number of pro-Beijing voices. Those seeking office will face strict vetting by a special committee, which critics expect to shut out pro-democracy forces and ensure that “patriots” govern the Chinese city.