Protesters at the forefront of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement are urging the world's major economies to sanction China over human rights issues.

Hundreds of activists gathered in Sydney to lend their voice to the international campaign, with vice convener of civil human rights front Bonnie Leung calling on the Australian government to pass a Hong Kong human rights and democracy act.

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"If you rely too much on this market they will have control over you," she said.

"So it is time now to make a choice."

It's the latest chapter in the push for Hong Kong's autonomy from Beijing and the movement's leaders say Australia's role is crucial.

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The pressure is also being applied in Downing Street and in Washington where steps could be taken to freeze China out from trade - should the Asian powerhouse breach global human rights standards.

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Beijing is showing little sign of backing down, warning of a zero-tolerance policy for foreign countries weighing in on the issue.

Marching down Market street with shouts of "5 demands, not 1 less" #HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/629a8an689 — Simon Henderson (@simjhenderson) November 2, 2019

China is also vowing to perfect how it chooses and replaces Hong Kong's leaders - just days after embattled chief executive Carrie Lam vowed to tackle the rallies that have caused chaos in the streets and plunged the economy into recession.

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