The Chinese legislature passed a resolution on Thursday called the “patriots rule Hong Kong” in an effort to overhaul elections in the city.
Why it matters: The move effectively gives the Chinese Communist Party control over elections in the Asian financial center, reducing democratic representation and allowing a “pro-Beijing panel to” examine patriotic candidates, “the BBC notes.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that the Biden government would “speak out and take action against flagrant violations of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong”.
- Blinken pledged to “take sanctions” against “those responsible for repressive acts” in the former British colony.
In numbers: Beijing lawmakers voted 2895 zero in favor of Hong Kong’s resolution, with one abstention.
What to watch: President Biden will meet with the leaders of Japan, Australia and India this Friday at a virtual summit of the so-called “Quad” as part of efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Blinken and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will meet next week with two top Chinese officials in Anchorage, Alaska, during the first face-to-face meeting between senior US and Chinese officials since Biden took office.
Go deeper: Cyber, human rights are expected to top the top between the US and China
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.