大象传媒

China has passed sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral rules which will tighten its control over the city. The number of directly elected seats in parliament has been cut almost by half, and prospective MPs will first be vetted by a pro-Beijing committee to ensure their loyalty to the mainland.

The aim is to ensure only "patriotic" figures can run for positions of power. Critics warn it will mean the end of democracy, fearing it will remove all opposition from the city parliament. Regina Ip, a pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician, defends the move, saying they are only there to protect national security and won't restrict the election process as much as critics fear.

Photo: Hong Kong's flag, flying in line with China's banner Credit: EPA