China Communist body ponders action against Hong Kong stars

The powerful Youth League of China's ruling Communist party has opened a poll on possible sanctions against Hong Kong celebrities who support the city's pro-democracy demonstrators -- including boycotts, bans and Internet censorship.

The former British colony's vibrant film and music scenes have made its performers stars on the mainland. But celebrities including actors Chow Yun Fat and Anthony Wong have reportedly praised the protesters, who are labelled as criminals by Beijing.

"Which way would you choose to resist these unscrupulous artists?" the Communist Party's Youth League asked readers of its official microblog, naming several celebrities including Wong.
"Call for 'Occupy Central' artists to be banned from performing or broadcasting in mainland China" read the most popular of the poll's four possible responses.

"Resolutely not watch the works of 'Occupy Central' artists" was in second place.
Occupy Central is one of the main groups organising the pro-democracy protests, but mainland Chinese authorities and media often use the term to refer to the demonstrations generally.
Other options available were "Call for 'Occupy Central' artists' names to be scrubbed from the Internet", and "Delete the 'Occupy Central' artists' microblog accounts". There was no choice not to take action.

The microblog post singled out Wong by name along with fellow actor Chapman To and singer Denise Ho. The poll had attracted more than 250,000 votes.

The Communist Youth League boasts nearly 90 million members, and serves as a training ground for future party officials. Notable alumni include former President Hu Jintao.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has blamed foreign countries for stirring up the protests, while Beijing has rejected statements by western governments as "interference" in its internal affairs.