Policy, protests dominate media coverage of 2017 election decision

The tough restrictions imposed by Beijing on the 2017 chief executive election garnered worldwide media attention, with many publications noting Beijing's high-handed approach and the pan-democrats' discontent.

A page one story in the International New York Times headlined, "Beijing curbs change in Hong Kong voting", suggested that Beijing's tough stance was partly due to President Xi Jinping's policies.

"The move closes one of the few avenues left for gradual political liberalisation in China after a sustained campaign against dissent on the mainland this year under President Xi Jinping," the newspaper said. "Advocates and opponents of political liberalisation alike have seen Hong Kong as a potential incubator for change in China," it added.

The Wall Street Journal splashed with a story headlined, "China rules out free vote" in its Asia edition.

An additional Journal story, headlined "Taiwan groups see red flag in ruling", discussed how Beijing's decision had shaken the confidence of some Taiwanese activists, who are now worried that Beijing could use similar tough tactics to reclaim the island.

The Financial Times ran a front page picture of the mass rally outside the government complex in Tamar on Sunday. Its report said London was studying the NPC Standing Committee decision.