In a first, Chinese-ruled Hong Kong moves to ban separatist group

FILE PHOTO - Pro-Hong Kong independence supporters take part in a march in Hong Kong, China, July 1, 2018, the day marking the 21st anniversary of the city's handover to Chinese sovereignty from British rule. REUTERS/Bobby Yip/File Photo

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong on Tuesday kick-started a process which could lead to a ban on a group that promotes secession from China, the first time since the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997 it has sought to outlaw a political organisation.

The move against the Hong Kong National Party comes at a time authorities have ratcheted up pressure on young democracy activists, some of whom have been jailed, and denounced any pro-independence action as an illegal challenge to Communist Party rulers in Beijing.