that the process of governing frequently grinds to a halt , held hostage to nationalist and political interests .
Asia Tens of thousands braved typhoon rains in Hong Kong on Monday to demand China live up to its promise to allow fully democratic elections there in 2017 amid mounting fears of increased meddling by Beijing ' s Communist Party leaders . The former British colony returned to Chinese rule on July 1 , 1997 , with the promise of universal suffrage as an " ultimate aim " in its mini-constitution , making it potentially the first place on Chinese soil to enjoy fully democratic elections . Protesters marched and chanted , undeterred by the lashing rain as the march began , some carrying British colonial Hong Kong flags and pro-democracy banners along with umbrellas . Organizers of the protest said 430,000 people turned up , while police gave an estimate of 66,000 . Younger activists have become increasingly politicized . Surveys show they identify themselves more as Hong Kong citizens than Chinese nationals - a trend that alarms Beijing , which is eager for the city to show more " patriotism " to the motherland . Despite China ' s pledge to allow a direct poll for the city ' s leader in 2017 , recent signs from senior Chinese officials have raised concern Beijing may somehow try to rig the rules to screen out opposition candidates from taking part . Qiao Xiaoyang , the chairman of the law committee of China ' s parliament , said in March that any candidates for the 2017 election must love Hong Kong and that those who confronted Beijing would not be acceptable , in remarks seen to be targeting the city ' s opposition pro-democracy politicians .
US Secretary of State John Kerry pressed China and Southeast Asian nations on Monday to make progress on a plan to ease tensions in the South China Sea . Kerry , who had made the comments as he arrived in Brunei for a regional security meeting , was speaking a day after China said it would hold formal discussions with Southeast Asian nations over the maritime disputes later this year . While marking a move forward , the talks are not seen as a major breakthrough in protracted efforts to bring China into a binding agreement over the energy-rich ocean , where Beijing ' s assertive claims have sparked rising tensions . China said in a joint statement with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) on Sunday that it agreed to hold " official consultations " on a proposed Code of Conduct ( CoC ) governing naval actions at a meeting with ASEAN senior officials in China in September . Thailand ' s foreign minister hailed the step as " very significant ". China , accused by the Philippines on Sunday of causing " increasing militarization " of the sea , stopped short of saying that the meeting would mark the start of actual negotiations . China has shown little urgency in initiating substantial talks over the proposed code . Critics say it is intent on cementing its claims over the sea through its superior naval
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