BEIJING, MARCH 11

​​​​​China's ceremonial legislature on Thursday endorsed the ruling Communist Party's latest move to tighten control over Hong Kong by reducing the role of its public in picking the territory's leaders.

The measure adds to a crackdown against a protest movement in Hong Kong calling for greater democracy. The crackdown has prompted complaints Beijing is eroding the autonomy promised when Hong Kong was handed to China in 1997 and hurting its status as a global financial center.

Changes endorsed by the National People's Congress would give a pro-Beijing committee power to appoint more of Hong Kong's lawmakers, reducing the number elected by the public.

Beijing has rejected complaints it is eroding Hong Kong's autonomy and says the changes are necessary to protect the territory's stability.

The vote by NPC delegates was 2,895-0, with 1 abstention. The body routinely endorses party plans by unanimous votes or overwhelming majorities.