Beijing rejects 'full democracy' in choosing next Hong Kong leader

Beijing's top official in Hong Kong has rejected letting the public nominate candidates, in the strongest sign yet from China that it will not allow the former British colony to choose a democratic leader.

According to The Japan Times, Zhang Xiaoming revealed in an open letter that a provision in the city's mini constitution requires candidates to be chosen by a 'broadly representative nominating committee.'

Zhang said in response to a lawmaker's proposal in the letter that there was no other option.

Since China regained control of Hong Kong in 1997, an elite panel of mainly pro-Beijing tycoons and business group representatives, has chosen the city's leader, known as the chief executive, the report said.

Beijing promised in 2007 to allow Hong Kongers to elect their leader in 2017 and all lawmakers by 2020, but no outline has been given, adding to growing anxiety among residents that they'll be denied full democracy, the report added.

Even if the elections are held as promised, the pro-reform lobby fears Beijing will try to weaken the influence of the feisty pro-democracy camp, which has dominated previous legislative elections, the report further said.