The Mainland Affairs Council says China and Hong Kong should face calls for universal suffrage by the Hong Kong people squarely.

The statement follows a massive protest march in the territory yesterday during which people took to the streets to underscore their appeal for universal suffrage and defend their right to self-rule.

In a prepared statement, the Mainland Affairs Council urged the Beijing and Hong Kong governments to address the will of the people, tolerate differences and respond to related appeals in a rational manner.”

The march started at 3:20PM at Victoria Park and saw the participation of members of Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement and Labor Front.

Organizers of the Occupy Central rally also aired videos of remarks made by Lin Feifan and Chen Weiting – the two main student leaders of the Sunflower Movement.

More in Related News:

Nearly 200 Hong Kong Democracy Protesters Arrested, USA Today July 1, 2014

Huge Crowds Turn Out for Pro-Democracy March in Hong Kong, Defying Beijing, New York TImes July 1, 2014

Hong Kong Braces for Protests as Vote Fuels Pro-Democracy Movement , Los Angeles Times June 30, 2014

 

Photo via flickr