CRI听力:Basic Law interpretation expected to counter "Hong Kong independence"

The draft interpretation applies to Article 104 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

It relates to the requirement for local officials, legislators, judges and other members of the judiciary to uphold Hong Kong's Basic Law when assuming office.

The explanation comes less than a month after a handful of Hong Kong legislators-elect publicly advocated "Hong Kong independence" and insulted the Chinese nation at the swearing-in ceremony for the sixth Legislative Council, or LegCo, of the Hong Kong SAR. Some even interrupted LegCo's normal meetings after their oath-taking was declared invalid.

Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), says the interpretation gives a clear signal against separatist attempt in the city.

"Hong Kong Independence is a serious problem. It challenges the "one country, two systems" principle and may even jeopardize the unification of the nation. It's why the interpretation should be made. The NPC is expected to release a clear signal that the central government will neither make concessions over Hong Kong Independence nor tolerate any separatist attempt."

This is the fifth time that China's top legislature has made interpretations to Hong Kong's Basic Law since 1997.

Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, former president of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, notes an interpretation takes place only when the central government thinks the situation is serious.

"Only when there is something in Hong Kong that may threaten national sovereignty, would the central government take strict measures. The central government is fully aware of the influence of its previous interpretations. It made interpretations only when it's really necessary."

Hong Kong's High Court is scheduled to give a ruling over the oath-taking incident on Monday.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong, says the explanation could also provide some technical help before the court process concludes.

"The ruling is about to come out, but an appeal is very likely, which may last for a long time. Before the court process comes to an end, there is nothing that can justify whether any swearing in is valid. So from this perspective, the interpretation can also help."

The NPC delegates attending Saturday's group discussion believed it is both "timely and necessary" to make an interpretation.

A statement released after the discussion notes it is in accordance with the rights provided in the Constitution of the nation and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR for the NPC Standing Committee to give a timely legal interpretation.

The statement also acknowledged the advocacy of "Hong Kong independence" has emerged in some sections of Hong Kong society in recent years. Some people have displayed "Hong Kong independence" flags and established "Hong Kong independence" organizations and have even pursued violence.

It noted the draft interpretation is necessary for safeguarding the authority of the Basic Law and maintaining the stability of Hong Kong.

NPC lawmakers proposed that the interpretation be adopted before the bimonthly session wraps up on Monday.