The controversial joint checkpoint plan for the HK$84.4 billion Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link has been passed by the Legislative Council after all amendments raised by the democrats were rejected. It was approved with 40 votes in favour, 20 against, and one abstention.

The plan was first proposed in July last year after years of discussion between Hong Kong and the mainland. The rail project is expected to begin operations in September, despite engineering issues such as water seepage and higher-than-expected levels of wear recorded during trial runs.

The pro-democracy camp, as well as the Hong Kong Bar Association, have deemed the legislative bill unconstitutional as Hong Kong is set to effectively give up its jurisdiction across a quarter of the West Kowloon terminus, where immigration and customs procedures will be performed by mainland law enforcement agents. The arrangement was intended for faster clearance so that passengers would not have to leave the train at the border.

Democrats surround housing chief Frank Chan moments after the bill passes. Photo: Kris Cheng/HKFP.

Article 18 states that Chinese laws are not to be applied in Hong Kong aside for those listed in Annex III, such as the national flag and emblem law. However, mainland law is set to apply in the Chinese-administered areas of the terminal.