Thousands brave typhoon rains demanding China honour Hong Kong democracy pledge

A pro-democracy protester clashes with police during a protest to demand universal suffrage and urge Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to step down in Hong Kong July 1, 2013. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Tens of thousands braved typhoon rains on Monday to demand China live up to its promise to allow fully democratic elections in Hong Kong 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.