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NPC passes interpretation of Article 104

Reporter: Wu Guoxiu 丨 CCTV.com

11-07-2016 17:23 BJT

China's National People's Congress has approved an interpretation of Article 104 of Hong Kong's Basic Law. It clarifies the legal requirements of those running for election and taking public office in Hong Kong, as well as the legal responsibilities if civil servants disagree with or violate the oath.

The first order of business approving the interpretation of Article 104, as the National People's Congress Standing Committee closed its bimonthly session.

The interpretation says Article 104 is mostly about political loyalty.

"These Hong Kong independence figures are splitting and going against the country. How can they uphold the Hong Kong Basic Law and be loyal to the region?" said Li Fei, chairman of Basic Law committee, NPC standing committee.

Earlier in October, two lawmakers-elect deliberately violated the oath during the swearing-in of the region's Legislative Council. 

The NPC says these pro-independence figures are not qualified to run for legislators.

The interpretation also stipulates that violators of the oath are not allowed to retake it, and will have to face legal responsibility.

"I believe Hong Kong's administrative organs will execute it according to the NPC Standing Committee's interpretation. The disputes this time in Hong Kong, during election and oath-taking, also shows relevant loopholes in implementing Article 104. Some staff also did not work strictly in accordance to the Basic Law. I hope that based on this interpretation, Hong Kong's laws can be amended and improved, and such things are prevented from happening in the future," Li said.

Li also said the interpretation is not in violation of the Rule of Law in Hong Kong, and the NPC will use the right of interpretation whenever necessary.

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