China's top legislature has adopted an interpretation to Article 104 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. The interpretation was passed unanimously at the closing meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Monday morning.

According to its vice secretary-general, Li Fei, the interpretation clarifies the legal requirements of those running for election and taking public office in Hong Kong, as well as the legal procedure and rules of oath-taking. It also stipulates that civil servants who disagree with, or violate the oath should face legal responsibility. This comes after two lawmakers-elect violated the oath intentionally during the swearing in of the region's Legislative Council earlier in October.

Li said the so-called "Hong Kong independence" jeopardized the nation's and the region's interests, and added that the central government adopts no-concessions policies on this issue. He noted the interpretation is necessary and significant, and will help safeguard national sovereignty and security, as well as Hong Kong's stability.