Beijing officials rule out concessions on Hong Kong electoral reform package

Officials from Beijing ruled out any concessions on proposed changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system during a meeting with 14 pro-democracy lawmakers at a hotel in Shenzhen, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a statement from Legislative Council president and pro-Beijing politician Jasper Tsang. The refusal to budge on the requirement for vetting by Beijing of any candidates for the territory’s chief executive sets the stage for further conflict over an electoral reform package that needs a two-thirds majority in the legislature to pass. Alan Leong, who led the group from Hong Kong, said his party was now “left with no choice but to definitely veto” the package.