The United States has condemned China's "continuing assault on democratic institutions in Hong Kong", after Beijing announced plans to change the electoral system there. China's National People's Congress (NPC) unveiled the plans on Friday. One proposal would require all candidates standing for Hong Kong's assembly to be approved by a committee of members loyal to Beijing.
The move follows the imposition of a tough security law last year. Critics say Beijing is crushing dissent and removing the "one country, two systems" agreement it made with the UK. Under the agreement, Hong Kong, a former British colony, was allowed to continue with its own legal system and have rights including free speech and freedom of the press.
