WorldHONG KONG, AFP -Beijing has warned new Hong Kong lawmakers not to back independence for the semi-autonomous city after young anti-China activists won seats for the first time in key weekend elections. Five candidates advocating independence or self-determination for Hong Kong are to sit in the 70-seat assembly. “We firmly oppose any activity relating to Hong Kong independence in any form, inside or outside the Legislative Council, and firmly support the Hong Kong government to impose punishment in accordance with the law,” state news agency Xinhua cited a spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council -- China's cabinet -- as saying. It is not yet clear what may happen if they then advocate independence as a possibility for Hong Kong in the legislature. It introduced a controversial new form before the LegCo election which required candidates to verify they understood Hong Kong was an “inalienable part of China”.

Source: Sunday Times September 06, 2016 11:03 UTC