Chinese state media urged action to keep Hong Kong elections from becoming a "tool for anti-China and trouble-making forces,” raising the prospects for more measures to curb dissent in the Asian financial hub.
The People’s Daily newspaper, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, said in a commentary Tuesday that those found to be disloyal must not be allowed to seek office. Action could come as soon as next week, with the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress — the body that imposed a controversial security law on Hong Kong last year — also announcing a surprise meeting starting Jan. 20.
"Hong Kong is an administrative region of China,” the People’s Daily said. "‘Those who love the country and love Hong Kong should rule Hong Kong, those who are anti-China and trouble makers are out’ is a principle and bottom line that Hong Kong elections must follow.”