Chinese media today dismissed Hong Kong's independence movement as a political "gimmick", following the city's first pro-independence rally that was attended by more than 2,000 people.
The unprecedented rally saw people fill a park near the government's headquarters last night, chanting "Hong Kong independence".
The protest was led by five pro-independence candidates who were banned from standing for election in Hong Kong because they advocate a split from mainland China.
Critics have slammed the move as censorship as fears grow over Beijing interference in the semi-autonomous city in a range of areas, from politics to media and education.