China steps up rhetoric in criticism of young Hong Kong lawmakers

Newly elected pro-democracy lawmakers Yau Wai-ching (L) and Baggio Leung check their smartphones after taking oath at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, China October 12, 2016. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China on Friday expressed "great indignation and strong condemnation" of two Hong Kong lawmakers who raised the disputed issue of independence this week at their official swearing-in ceremony.

The topic of independence was once regarded as taboo in the former British colony, now governed under a "one country, two systems" principle since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.