China acknowledges ongoing 'issues' in Hong Kong as protesters converage on Chinese official's visit

China has acknowledged the existence of so-called "problems" in Hong Kong, in an unusually frank declaration as tensions were high amid calls for greater autonomy in Hongkong.

A Hong Kong supporter of the Chinese government holding a photograph of Zhang Dejiang Source: AAP

The comments were made by a top Chinese official during a visit to the region, who reassured citizens Beijing would continue to respect its autonomy.

Thousands of police have been deployed across Hong Kong as a top-ranked Beijing official addressed an economic summit.