© EPAHong Kong's flag, flying in line with China's banner
In its latest move to tighten control over Hong Kong, China is pushing for a controversial "patriot" plan to reform the city's elections.
Beijing says the goal is to keep "unpatriotic" figures from positions of political power in Hong Kong.
But critics warn it would mean the end of democracy in Hong Kong, eradicating whatever opposition there is left.
What's the background?
Hong Kong used to be under British control, but was handed back to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" principle.
This was meant to protect certain freedoms for Hong Kong, which no other part of mainland China has: freedom of assembly and speech, an independent judiciary, and some democratic rights.
These freedoms are enshrined in Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which was meant to last until 2047.
On 11 March, the "patriots governing Hong Kong" resolution was passed at the National People's Congress, paving the way for Beijing to amend annexes of the Basic Law.
These amendments could take effect in Hong Kong within the coming weeks.
How will it work?
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The changes are aimed at reforming Hong Kong's legislature, known as the Legislative Council (LegCo).
They are likely to give a special committee the power to vet all LegCo candidates and elect many of its members - essentially vetting members for their allegiance to Beijing.
LegCo has 70 seats, about half of which are directly voted for by the public, and some of those seats have gone to pro-democracy figures in the past.
The other half is filled by smaller groups representing special interests such as business, banking and trade - sectors which are historically pro-Beijing.
Why is it being enacted?
The move appears to be a continuation of China's plan to tighten control over Hong Kong, following recent developments.
Huge pro-democracy protests took place in 2019, some of which turned violent. Later that year, pro-democracy groups made huge gains in local district council elections.
Since then, Beijing has passed a controversial national security law, which effectively reduces Hong Kong's autonomy and made it easier to punish demonstrators. Dozens of people have since been arrested under this law.
© Getty ImagesIn 2019, clashes between police and protesters often turned violent
In November 2020, several lawmakers were deemed threats to national security and dismissed - this led to the resignation of nearly all the city's pro-democracy lawmakers.
The developments underscore the rapid expansion of Beijing's influence in the territory, pushing for loyalty from all levels of power.