The United States reacted cautiously to China's decision on Sunday to reject full democracy for Hong Kong that drew strong reactions from pro-democracy activists in the special administrative region.

Supporters of Hong Kong's democracy vowed to suspend activities in the country's financial hub after the Chinese parliament decided not to grant them the right to choose their leader in 2017.

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In response to the planned demonstrations, an unnamed U.S. official conveyed support for Hong Kong's "internationally recognized freedoms," Reuters relayed.

According to the U.S. official who spoke from Washington, the White House supports Hong Kong's right to peacefully assemble and right to express beliefs and opinions.

The authority of the chief executive will be further established if Hong Kong citizens were granted a "genuine choice" of leaders, the official added. He also emphasized "voter's will" in his statement about China's decision.

The official said the U.S. sees China's announcement on Sunday as part of a continuing process that will lead to an "election reform" in Hong Kong. He added that Washington will monitor the progress of the said process.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) released a proposal that will allow only two or three Hong Kong candidates to run in the 2017 elections. All candidates required to secure approval from a nominating committee, which will most likely be composed of pro-Beijing members.

NPC's decision will provide opposition democrats a very slim chance to have their representatives included in the candidacy. Deputy secretary general Li Fei said the decision was "legal and reasonable."

Hundreds of activists prepared to launch an "Occupy Central" civil disobedience campaign late Sunday to protest NPC's decision. Benny Tai, one of the protest leaders, called Sunday the "darkest day" in Hong Kong's democratic history.

Hong Kong incumbent chief executive Leung Chun-ying called NPC decision a "historic milestone" for the country but he also encouraged the people to express their opinion in a peaceful manner.

China and Hong Kong have long been embroiled in a constant struggle for political reform which started 17 years ago when Britain returned the small city to Beijing.

Although NPC's decision appears to allow Hong Kong to have a direct vote to choose a leader, some democrats call it "fake democracy" because China will still impose a tight curb on the list of 2017 candidates.

Meanwhile, the Occupy Central campaign has not yet gained strong support from the middle class of Hong Kong. The latter fear that stirring China's ire would lead to business disruption.

TagsHong Kong, Reuters, National People's Congres, Li Fei, occupy central, Benny Tai