Pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong announce plans to resign

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy lawmakers announced plans to resign en masse today after four of the 19 lawmakers were ousted due to a new rule passed by China. The new rule states that any lawmaker who supports Hong Kong’s independence or refuses to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty should be disqualified from serving. The legislation marks the second major measure enacted by the Chinese government related to Hong Kong this year, including a controversial national security law that critics (including the US) say ended Hong Kong’s autonomy from China.