The Chinese government has accused Britain of interfering in its domestic affairs by trying to hold meetings about the forthcoming elections in Hong Kong. The accusation came after it was revealed that the British Consulate in Hong Kong had invited a number of candidates in the elections to come to the consulate on an individual basis for informal talks.

The elections, which take place on May 24, are the first since Hong Kong's change from British to Chinese sovereignty last July. From Hong Kong, the BBC's Jill McGivering reports.

The British consulate in Hong Kong says it issued a series of invitations on Wednesday to local politicians who are contesting seats in the Legislative Council elections in two and a half weeks' time.

A spokesman said representatives from the main pro-Beijing, business and pro-Democracy parties had all been invited.

He said the consulate did not intend to impose its own views on the candidates but wanted to ask for their reactions to the electoral process. This illustrated the fact, he added, that Britain was taking a close interest in the elections.

But the move had clearly angered China.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman in Beijing told reporters on Thursday that the attempt to hold such talks was a direct interference in Hong Kong affairs and a breach of the Sino-British agreement on Hong Kong known as the Joint Declaration.

He called on Britain to stop this interference in China's internal affairs in order to promote the healthy development of Sino-British relations.

In Hong Kong, a spokesman for Martin Lee, the Chairman of the Democratic Party, said his office had not received an invitation from the British Consulate.

The elections were now so imminent, she added, that party leaders would only have time to meet local people.

The Hong Kong government has not yet reacted to the row.

This month's elections will use a new electoral system approved by the post-handover administration.

This replaces the controversial system of electoral reform introduced by the former British Governor Chris Patten, which broadened the electoral franchise and was opposed by China.
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