A US congress panel has warned that China's interference in Hong Kong's affair is increasing at alarming pace, expressing fear that this may have an adverse impact on former British colony's status as an international financial hub.

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, however, did not take note of the ongoing pro-democracy movement in the semi-autonomous city that has been trigged by the oath taking controversy last month.

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Nonetheless, the commission in its 33-page report took serious note of the recent abduction and detention of five booksellers, who were arrested for allegedly selling gossipy political content in the former British colony.

"This incident has threatened the maintenance of the 'one country, two systems' framework and led some observers to question Hong Kong's status as a leading global financial hub," the report said.

The report goes on to add that the incident increased local fear about Mainland China's interference and caused record turnout in September's legislative election.

Talking further about election, the report said, "The election took place against the backdrop of an alarming rise in mainland China's interference in Hong Kong."

Citing the interference, the panel urged the US State Department to conduct a fresh probe in the issue of Hong Kong's autonomy.

In response, China gave a standard reply that Hong Kong is its internal affair and some external forces are hatching a conspiracy.

"In order to try to split the country, some forces have openly sought foreign support," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing. "Those who attempt to use foreign forces to achieve their own political goals will not succeed."

The word 'foreign forces' was apparently aimed at US and UK, as they have more vocal in raising concern over Beijing's alleged interference in the semi-autonomous city.

UK transferred the control of Hong Kong city to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement. The agreement made it binding on the Chinese government to ensure non-interference in legal system and the autonomy in wide range of areas remain intact.

The international community, composing mostly of western countries, has often accused Beijing of breaching this agreement.

TagsHong Kong, china, China and Hong Kong, Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, U.S and Hong Kong