Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung does not believe China will change its mind about the process of selecting candidates for the territory's next elections in 2017, despite protests that have entered a third week.

The pro-democracy protests have brought thousands into the streets of Hong Kong for the past several days, paralyzing parts of the city and for a time closing schools and businesses.

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Hundreds of protesters are still blocking a key thoroughfare at the Central and Admiralty districts on Hong Kong Island.

Interviewed on TVB, Leung said the demonstrations have now spun out of control. He said the use of force to end the protests has not been ruled out.

"In achieving universal suffrage in 2017, if the prerequisite is to put down the Basic Law and the decision made by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, I believe we all know that the chance is almost zero," Leung said.

The protest movement was sparked by the NPC Standing Committee's decision on the composition of that nominating body. Protest leaders say the format will give Beijing control over which candidates stand.

Leung called off a scheduled dialogue with students leading the protests on Thursday, saying that constructive dialogue is impossible with the students refusing to end their campaign.

Asked about the protest camps, Leung said the Hong Kong government has "resorted to all kinds of persuasions."

"We absolutely would not prefer clearing the venue, but if one day the venue has to be cleared, I believe the police will use their professional judgement and training using minimum amount of force," the Chief Executive said in the TV interview Sunday.

TagsHong Kong, CY Leung, democracy