Shen Chunyao To Head Basic Law Committee

Shen Chunyao, the man who drafted amendments to China's constitution, has been named as the new head of the Basic Law Committee. The amendments increased the power of the Communist Party and removed presidential term limits, giving Xi Jinping the option of remaining in the post indefinitely.

He will head the Basic Law Committees of Hong Kong and Macau, which come under the National People's Congress Standing Committee. He replaces Li Fei, who has been promoted to lead the Law and Constitution Committee, the body that oversees national constitutional matters.

In naming Shen, Beijing appears to be stressing the importance of the national constitution with regard to the two SARs, a message hammered home at the recent annual session of the National People's Congress.

The stance underlines Beijing's increasing willingness to intervene in Hong Kong affairs. Nevertheless, it's possible Shen's appointment may also signal a softer line. It had been expected that the post would go to Chen Sixi, the head of Beijing's Liaison Office in Macau who seen as a hardliner.

Exco member Ronny Tong will meet Mr Shen for dinner on Thursday, when they will discuss Hong Kong's situation.