Thousands of pro-China residents marched through the streets of Hongkong Sunday to protest plans by pro-democracy activists to paralyze the city later this year, if China rejects the people's right to nominate candidates for Hongkong's chief executive post.

During the protest, organizers reported they had gathered more than a million signatures in a campaign to oppose the Occupy Central movement which plans to mobilize pro-democracy sectors later in the year and block roads in the Central financial district. 

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Sunday's rally was organized by the Alliance for Peace and Democracy, which is believed to be supported by Beijing-friendly business organizations. The Alliance said the silent majority among Hongkong seven million residents do not support the Occupy Central.

The Occupy Central movement has been criticized as illegal, radical, and potentially violent.

"We want to let the world know that we want peace, we want democracy. But please, do not threaten us, do not try to turn this place into a place of violence," Robert Chow, co-founder of the Alliance.

Public discontent in Hongkong is high at this time, with various groups protesting against what is perceived to be interference by Beijing and disagreement  est for years, with concern at perceived interference by Beijing in the semi-autonomous administration of the city, and disagreement on how Hong Kong's next leader should be chosen in 2017.

Police estimated that about 110,000 people took off from Victoria Park, many of them wearing red clothes and waving Chinese flags. The Alliance reported their estimates to be close to 193,000 participants.

A number of rally participants said they had been provided with free transport by various political and business groups.

Robert Chow said the Occupy movement's plan could further damage Honkong's reputation as a favoured headquarters base for many multinational corporations.

"What they are trying to say is that if China does not bow to them, then they will occupy Central, they are going to turn the whole place into some sort of a battleground," Chow said.

Pro-democracy sectors are advocating for public nomination of the candidates for chief executive in 2017, but Beijing insists on a nominating committee, something that will enable Beijing to ensure a sympathetic slate of candidates.

ccupy Central conducted an unofficial referendum earlier this and saw a majority of some 800,000 voters support electoral reforms that would allow them to nominate candidates for the chief executive position. 

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