Thousands of pro-Chinese demonstrators took to the streets in Hong Kong on Sunday to give a much-needed backing to China amid a strong wave of pro-democracy sentiment sweeping across the city.

Hordes of Chinese flags were unfurled by demonstrators, while several chanted "oppose Hong Kong independence; support Beijing's ruling" during the protest rally.

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There is no official figure of to how many people gathered at Sunday's rally. But organisers of the rally claim that about 40,000 people thronged to the rally outside Hong Kong's parliament, while local police claim that nearly 28,500 people gathered at the rally during the peak hour.

Maggie Chan, a spokeswoman for the group that organized the rally, spoke to BBC News about Sunday's protest.

"So many people are very angry because the pro-independence force is a destructive force that is against the rule of law in Hong Kong," Chan said.

Critics have alleged that Sunday's pro-China rally was a "sponsored protest," and several protestors were paid money to take part in the rally.

Chan refuted these allegations, describing them defamatory claims and said that allegations were levelled with the aim to "lower the alliance standing."

Organizers have urged protestors to be aware of groups attempting to lure them and take photographic evidence if someone approaches them with money.

The semi-autonomous city has been on a the edge since last week, with scores of citizens protesting against China's intervention in Hong Kong's constitution. The protests followed a landmark ruling that barred two pro-independent legislators from taking office.

Two pro-independent legislators - Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung - are at heart of the ongoing tension. The two legislators allegedly used derogatory words and also unfurled anti-Chinese banners during an oath taking ceremony on October 12.

Their oath was eventually overruled as "illegal" by Chinese officials.            

TagsHong Kong, Hong Kong pro-democracy, china, China and Hong Kong