BEIJING, CHINA – The Chinese government expressed
its authority against foreign countries who would stepped in the crucial Hong
Kong politics ahead of a
crucial announcement on the territory's election process.
Chinese state stated that they would not tolerate Hong Kong as a "bridgehead to subvert the
mainland".
China is expected to
limit elections to a selection of pro-Beijing candidates.
Pro-democracy
activists in Hong Kong have threatened mass disobedience if elections are not
opened up.
"Not only are
they undermining Hong Kong's stability and development, but they're also
attempting to turn Hong Kong into a bridgehead for subverting and infiltrating
the Chinese mainland", Chinese state-run People's Daily on Saturday said.
Subsequently, that some in Hong Kong
were "colluding" with outside forces.
"This
can absolutely not be permitted" it said, quoting an unnamed foreign
ministry official.
The
article did not identify which outside forces were being accused of
involvement, although many countries in the west have called for more open
government in the former British territory.
The
Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress has been meeting to
determine election regulations in Hong Kong, and will announce their decision
on Sunday.
Most expect that
committee to be made up of pro-Beijing businessmen and individuals, thereby
giving mainland authorities an effective veto over candidates.
In June,
almost 800,000 people cast ballots in an informal referendum organised by
Occupy Central on how the chief executive should be chosen.
This was
followed by large-scale rallies held by both sides.
Hong Kong
has retained wide legal and economic powers since being handed back to China in
1997.
But activists are worried that the central government would control over
the territory.
