In Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists have held a rally to protest the attempt by pro-Beijing lawmakers to amend rules of the Legislative Council. Last night they held a protest rally in Hong Kong. Activists said Hong Kong's democracy is nearing a crisis. <br/><br/>Pro-mainland lawmakers have submitted a bill to reduce the number of council members necessary to hold the session from 35 to 20. They also proposed that the chairperson can reconvene the council from recess at any time. <br/><br/>The amendments would clear the way for forceful passage of laws by pro-Beijing legislators to restrict hostile activities against the mainland. The territory enjoys a high level of autonomy as part of the one country, two systems principle relating to an agreement on Hong Kong's return from Britain to China.