The Chinese parliament on Thursday passed a resolution called “patriots who govern Hong Kong” in a measure to revise the city’s elections.
Why does it matter: The action effectively gives the Chinese Communist Party control over elections in the Asian financial center, reducing democratic representation and allowing a pro-Beijing panel to verify “patriotic” candidates, the BBC notes.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that the Biden administration “will speak out and take action against flagrant violations of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.”
- Blinken promised to “continue sanctions” against “those responsible for repressive acts” in the former British colony.
By numbers: Beijing lawmakers voted 2895-zero for the Hong Kong resolution with one abstention.
What to look for: President Biden is meeting with leaders of Japan, Australia and India on Friday for a virtual summit of the so-called “Quad” as part of efforts to combat 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, in the first personal meeting between senior US and Chinese officials since Biden took office.
Go deeper: Cyber, human rights are expected to lead to the US-China summit
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.