Top legislator: Beijing stands firm against separatism

The interpretation of the Basic Law by the nation’s top legislature to stress the oathtaking requirements for SAR principal officials and lawmakers showed the central government’s determination to uphold the “One Country, Two System” principle, top legislator Zhang Dejiang said on Wednesday.

Zhang said it also showed Beijing’s firm stance on any attempts at the secession of Hong Kong from the nation.

This embodied the will of 1.3 billion Chinese people - including those in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They were determined to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, security and development, Zhang stressed.

The chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) commented while delivering the annual work report of the country’s top legislature at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Last October, Hong Kong saw two separatist lawmakers-elect launch anti-China antics during the solemn swearing-in ceremony. They were later disqualified by Hong Kong’s High Court for violating the Basic Law and other local ordinances.

After the oath-taking scandal, the NPCSC produced an interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law on Nov 7.

“The interpretation clarifies legal procedures that must be adhered to when taking the oath of office,” Zhang said. “It made clear that anyone who violates this stipulation is to be legally disqualified. Any person who takes an oath insincerely or breaks the oath will be held legally responsible.”

Zhang said the SAR was an inseparable part of China. Any moves embracing “Hong Kong independence” are an attempt at secession. This is a serious violation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, the national Constitution and the Basic Law, Zhang stressed.

Hong Kong’s NPC members voiced support for Zhang’s remarks. Convener of Hong Kong’s NPC delegation Maria Tam Wai-chu said Zhang sent a clear message to separatists.

NPC delegate Yeung Yiuchung said the interpretation was vital in resolving the oathtaking farce and curbing “proindependence” notions.

As the NPCSC took the initiative to make this interpretation, the controversy has now been laid to rest, Yeung added.

The interpretation (by the NPCSC) clarifies legal procedures that must be adhered to when taking the oath of office.” Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress