China's Xi says supports efforts to curb Hong Kong independence activities

China's President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, November 9, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's central government strongly supports efforts by the government in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong to curb moves by some promoting independence for the global financial hub, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Chinese leaders are increasingly concerned about a fledgling independence movement in the former British colony that returned to mainland rule in 1997 with a promise of autonomy and recent protests in the city.