HK seeking NPC ruling helped avoid legal tangles, state media says

Hong Kong seeking a decision from the state legislature is a more mature manifestation of the legal basis, which can minimize the risk of local legal disputes and judicial review, state media says, following the decision to extend the term of the sixth Legco.

"The decision of the Standing Committee of the NPC plays a decisive role in solving the problem of a possible 'vacuum period' in the Legco, and has the highest constitutional status and legal effect," said Tian Feilong, associate professor of the School of Law at Beihang University, told the People's Daily.

Also Chen Xinxin, a researcher at the Institute of Law, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that as the highest organ of state power, the Standing Committee of the NPC makes relevant decisions in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong, adding that it has undeniable authority and provides a solid legal guarantee for the sixth LegCo to continue performing its duties.

Chen believes that the move is conducive to safeguarding constitutional order and rule of law in the HKSAR, and ensuring the normal administration of the Hong Kong government as well as the normal operation of society.