Top Chinese representatives' in Hong Kong had ruled out open nominations for candidates to become its next leader. This was yet the strongest sign that China's pledge of democracy for the former British colony by 2017 came with conditions.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997. This was after the two nations agreed of wide ranging autonomy and an independent judiciary and press under a "one country, two systems" formula.

Zhang Xiaoming, Head for Beijing 's Liason Office in Hong Kong said open nominations for either leaders or chief executive would not be allowed. This meant nominations would come only from a small committee with Beijing loyalists for election. It make it rather easier to veto any candidate running under the opposition.

Hong Kong is the freest City in China however every year on the anniversary of handover, thousands of Chinese people gather to protest on the streets and demanded full democratic elections. This was even in the middle of mounting fears of increased meddling by Beijing's Communist Party leaders.

The election scheduled in 2017 would still be the most far-reaching version of democracy in China. However, analysts said that the hardening stance in Beijing would suggest a continuing conservatism that was aimed towards meaningful political transitions under the country's new leader, Xi Jinping.