Hong Kong leader can`t rule out barring even former governor Patten as China flexes muscles

HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong&rsquo-s leader denied on Friday that China had taken over immigration controls in the city after a British activist was refused entry, but she couldn&rsquo-t rule out barring even the last colonial governor and frequent China critic, Chris Patten.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam defended Hong Kong&rsquo-s autonomy amid deepening questions over the Chinese-ruled financial hub&rsquo-s reputation as a free and international city, after a Conservative Party rights activist, Benedict Rogers, was barred from entering on Wednesday.

When asked on a radio talk show whether Patten, who has criticized perceived Chinese interference in Hong Kong affairs, would be the next to be barred, Lam stopped short of ruling it out.

&ldquo-I can&rsquo-t exclude any possibilities because immigration matters will change depending on the case,&rdquo- she told public broadcaster RTHK.

Patten, who spoke extensively during a recent Hong Kong visit and was critical of the jailing of several democracy activists, has angered some in the pro-Beijing establishment.

Britain handed Hong Kong back to Chinese rule in 1997 amid promises that its widespread freedoms and autonomy would be respected under a &ldquo-one country, two systems&rdquo- formula.

But China&rsquo-s Foreign Ministry said it had the right to allow or refuse any persons wanting to enter Hong Kong, in response to Rogers&rsquo- case, as this was a matter of state sovereignty.

The promise of autonomy is enshrined in the mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, that creates a separate Hong Kong legal and policing regime, including immigration controls. But China has sovereign control over defense and foreign affairs – which critics fear Beijing is exploiting to erode the city&rsquo-s freedoms.

&ldquo-I want to clarify any worries … that this whole matter of immigration is now being taken over by the Central People&rsquo-s Government. That&rsquo-s certainly, definitely not the case,&rdquo- Lam said.

&ldquo-The case has to be regarded and treated and fall under what constitutes a foreign affairs matter.&rdquo-

Patten did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

China lodged a diplomatic complaint with London after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson demanded an urgent explanation from Hong Kong and China for Rogers&rsquo- expulsion.

  The case has also sparked outcry from the city&rsquo-s pro-democracy activists, including former number two official Anson Chan, who said Beijing was using the case to send a message.

Local English newspaper The Standard wrote in an editorial on Friday that &ldquo-if the situation is allowed to evolve into such a state that whoever disliked is barred, it could be the moment we begin to lose our international appeal&rdquo-.The U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong also expressed concern.

&ldquo-We urge China to respect Hong Kong&rsquo-s high degree of autonomy consistent with the principle of &lsquo-one country, two systems&rsquo-,&rdquo- U.S. consulate spokeswoman Kristin Haworth told Reuters.

The Chinese Embassy in London, in an email reply to Reuters late on Thursday, did not respond directly to Rogers&rsquo- allegation that it had warned him through a middleman that he could be refused entry to Hong Kong.

  &ldquo-It is a matter of Chinese sovereignty whether or not to allow entry of any foreigners,&rdquo- it said, echoing the foreign ministry.