Nearly 200 arrested in Hong Kong rally

Hong Kong police have arrested nearly 200 people after tens of thousands of residents joined a massive march to push for democracy.

Policemen remove protesters in the central district after a pro-democracy rally seeking greater democracy in Hong Kong early on July 2, 2014 as frustration grows over the influence of Beijing on the city. (AAP)

Anger at mainland China has never been greater after Beijing warned recently it holds the ultimate authority over the freewheeling capitalist enclave despite promises to allow a high degree of autonomy after British rule ended in 1997.

Police said 196 people were arrested for unlawful assembly and preventing police from carrying out their duties.

Police said 98,600 people joined the rally at its peak, while organisers estimated the size at 510,000. Participants had hoped to surpass the 500,000 that turned out in 2003 for the city's biggest-ever demonstration to protest against a planned anti-subversion law.