New York: Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong said on Saturday he was seeking the support of US lawmakers for the demands of his fellow protesters who have led months of streets demonstrations, including a call for free elections.

Wong, who spoke to Reuters in New York ahead of a planned visit to Washington, led Hong Kong's pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" in 2014.

The latest protests, which began over a now-withdrawn extradition bill but grew into demands for greater democracy and independence from mainland China, are mostly leaderless.

Joshua Wong, a student activist and secretary-general of the Demosisto party. Credit:Lisa Murray

"We hope ... for bipartisan support," Wong said of his trip to Washington, adding that US lawmakers should demand the inclusion of a human rights clause in ongoing US-China trade negotiations.