The Chinese police arrested over 500 pro-democracy demonstrators during a sit-in staged later after the march marking the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.

Around 3 A.M. on Wednesday, authorities took into custody 511 people for unlawful assembly and obstructing police officers during the sit-in held at the Chater Road site, the heart of the city where Hong Kong citizens, including prominent lawmakers marched for democracy.

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"If we want real democracy right now, then this rally is very significant," Johnson Yeung Ching-yin, convener of the Civil Human Rights Front states in an interview with CNN.

"We can show the world and show the central government that Hong Kong people want democracy so badly and we will fight for it at all costs," he adds.

According to lawmaker Cyd Ho Sau-Ian, the march was necessary to send a message to Beijing.

"We must pressure the central government, and tell them not to ignore the will of the Hong Kong people," he declares.

Fueled by fear of China's tightening grip, activists and regular citizens alike joined together to push for a 'more democratic' election in Hong Kong by the next election in 2017. Organizers estimate over half a million joined in the march while local authorities say almost 100,000.

Under the present system, only 1,200 people from Hong Kong's elite classes are able to participate in choosing the city's chief executive. Tensions were further inflamed when China published its first 'white paper' on Hong Kong last month where it is stated that the territory's independence was not an "inherent power."

Faced with annual protests, Beijing has promised to introduce universal suffrage in Hong Kong by 2017, though how it will be implemented is yet to be discussed.

TagsHong Kong, Protest, Chinese rule, pro-democracy