Taiwan condemned the plan for the list, which reportedly could include senior Taiwanese government officials.

The move would be Britain's latest response to what it considers China's breaches of its international obligations in the territory.

'We urge the Chinese central authorities to reconsider their actions against Hong Kong’s elected legislature and immediately reinstate the Legislative Council members.'

Hong Kong police said in a statement that they arrested three former lawmakers on charges of contempt in the legislature and intent to cause harm to others.

After Bob Rae said the United Nations should investigate if the Uighur's treatment amounts to genocide, China called his comments "ridiculous" and said Canada was being hypocritical.

The mass departure would leave Hong Kong's legislature with only pro-Beijing lawmakers, who already make up a majority but would be able to pass bills favoured by Beijing without much opposition.

The move came shortly after the Chinese parliament adopted a resolution allowing the city's executive to expel legislators without having to go through the courts.

The law, which will apply to all companies in China, was passed Saturday by the National People's Congress Standing Committee and will take effect on Dec. 1.

The health commission director in the city of Qingdao and the director of the local hospital where 12 new cases have been linked were both dismissed.

Taiwan says China is framing and entrapping people, and that putting people on television to confess crimes before going to trial is a serious breach of proper legal process.