<span style="color: #222222;">China's 'two sessions' concluded on Thursday with the passing of a resolution on Hong Kong which ensures only 'patriots' can rule Hong Kong. This is Hong Kong's biggest shake-up since the former British colony was handed back to Chinese rule in 1997, further reducing democratic representation in the city's institutions. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The controversial overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system, which comes amid an intensifying crackdown in the city, will give a pro-Beijing committee more power to choose Hong Kong's lawmakers. The legislation is expected to be announced in greater detail when the NPC Standing Committee meets at a later date, and it could be enacted into Hong Kong law within the next few months.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Beijing's crackdown in the semi-autonomous territory has intensified since it imposed a national security law last June. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told reporters at the closing press conference of the 'two sessions', the purpose of the changes was to 'adhere to and improve' the one country, two systems principle but critics say it stifles freedoms promised as part of the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework. Since 2019 pro-democracy protests, dozens of Hong Kong's pro-democracy leaders have been put behind bars or have fled the city.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In a statement, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam pledged her 'staunch support' and expressed 'sincere gratitude'. British foreign secretary Dominic Raab said on Thursday that proposed changes to Hong Kong's electoral system would further undermine international trust in China. 'This is the latest step by Beijing to hollow out the space for democratic debate in Hong Kong,' Raab said.</span><br />''