A US official said yesterday that people in Hong Kong should have a bigger say in who governs them, following Beijing's announcement that it will spell out the rules for how the territory's leaders and lawmakers are chosen.
Pro-democracy activists marched to the Hong Kong government headquarters in the morning, carrying a banner that accused Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (董建華) of "sacrificing Hong Kong's autonomy" by not standing up to Beijing.
China announced on Friday that its most powerful legislative committee will "interpret" the territory's constitutional laws relating to the selection of its leader and legislature.
Newspapers yesterday reported that Beijing's ruling will focus on whether any move toward political reform can be initiated locally, or whether it must come from Beijing.
The US Consulate General reiterated its view that Hong Kong people should have more power politically. Beijing condemns such US statements as improper meddling in its internal affairs.
"The United States supports greater democratization in Hong Kong through electoral reform and universal suffrage," said consular spokeswoman Susan Stevenson. "We believe that an open society and the greatest possible degree of autonomy and governance by the rule of law is essential to maintaining stability and prosperity in Hong Kong."
Shen said that the government should consult fully with residents and "move toward a government that more fully represents the interests of the people."
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