China okays plan to veto HK election candidates

China's rubber-stamp parliament yesterday voted for sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system -- including powers to veto candidates -- as Beijing moves to ensure only "patriots" run the city following huge pro-democracy rallies. Beijing has acted decisively to dismantle Hong Kong's limited democratic pillars after massive and sometimes violent protests coursed through the financial hub in 2019. The decision aims to place responsibility for running the city in the hands of "patriots governing Hong Kong", Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told reporters after the vote. Senior Chinese officials have made clear loyalty to the Communist Party will be key to deciding if a Hong Konger is a "patriot".