Obama denies role in role in Hong Kong pro-democracy protests

However, the Presdient said the US would continue to encourage free elections in the former British colony

President Barack Obama today firmly denied any US role in "fostering" the prolonged pro-democracy protests that have paralysed parts of Hong Kong for over six weeks, despite China's accusations that foreign forces were behind the stand-off.

"I was unequivocal in saying to President Xi that the United States has no involvement in fostering the protest that took place there," Obama said at a joint press conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"These are issues ultimately for the people of Hong Kong and the people of China to decide," he said.

Obama, however, said the US would continue to encourage free elections in the former British colony, which transferred its sovereignty to China in 1997.

"But I did describe for him that the United States, as a matter of foreign policy, but also a matter of our values, we are going to consistently speak out on the right of people to express themselves and encourage that the elections that take place in Hong Kong are transparent and fair and reflective of the opinions of people there."

The largely student-led stand-off, occupying key streets in Hong Kong since September 28, is currently going on with no end in sight as neither the protesters nor the Hong Kong government show any willingness to compromise.

The protesters want China to repeal the rule to vet candidates contesting the elections for its Chief Executive in 2017. But China insists that a Beijing-friendly elite panel must screen the candidates.

Obama said: "I reiterated to President Xi that American's unwavering support for fundamental human rights of all people will continue to be an important element on our relationship with China."

"History shows that nations that uphold these rights, including for ethnic and religious minorities, are ultimately more prosperous, more successful and more able to achieve the dreams of their people."

For his part Xi, who continued to call for observance of rule of law in Hong Kong, said China firmly opposes any foreign interference in its internal affairs.

"Hong Kong affairs are exclusively China's internal affairs and foreign countries should not interfere," Xi said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and other opponents of the protests have alleged that "foreign forces" provided material support to instigate and sustain the protests. They have offered no evidence, though.

In mid-October, ruling Communist Party's mouthpiece People's Daily in a front-page commentary accused the US of fomenting the protests.

Xi said: "We need to protect the lawful rights and interests of foreign citizens and business enterprises in Hong Kong as well.

"And I think it goes without saying that law and order must be maintained according to law in any place, not just in Hong Kong, but also elsewhere in the world.