Protesters plan disruption as Hong Kong plans party for 20 years of Chinese rule

There is growing concern that Beijing was steadily eroding the "one country, two systems" principle put in place after it took control of the Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy groups are planning a series of protests as the former British colony stages a huge party to mark 20 years of Chinese communist rule.

Fireworks, a gala variety show and Chinese military displays are among the official events coinciding with a visit by China's president Xi Jinping, starting on Thursday.