Hong Kong activist Nathan Law denies seeking independence

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Leading Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law has said he will not use his newly-won seat on the Legislative Council (LegCo) to push for independence from China.

"I'm not advocating independence, I'm advocating Hong Kong people should enjoy [their] rights of self-determination," he told the BBC. China has warned that anyone advocating independence could be punished. The stern message came after several young activists won seats on LegCo. The Chinese government underlined its "resolute opposition" to any independence activities on the council or outside it, state media reported.

While the positions of Mr Law and the Chinese government might appear compatible, any advocacy for greater political autonomy in Hong Kong will rile Beijing, BBC World Service Asia-Pacific editor Michael Bristow says. Mr Law said he would push for a referendum to "decide Hong Kong's sovereignty status" in 10 or 20 years. "The tough battle [has] just begun and we have to be prepared and fight against the communist party," he said. Many in Hong Kong are increasingly concerned about Beijing's interventions in its politics.

Who is Nathan Law?

The 23-year-old student activist and former Occupy protest leader is the most high-profile of the pro-democracy names to win a seat. He co-founded the Demosisto Party with well-known activist Joshua Wong and will now become the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kong. Despite his youth, Mr Law says he proved during the election campaign that he is capable of being a legislator. "A lot of people are believing in me and my maturity," he said. Convicted for his role in civil disobedience during the "Umbrella Protests", the soft-spoken activist has said the former British colony must be allowed a referendum on its future. He has said he does not want Hong Kong to become "just another Chinese city".