Hong Kong: Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has filed a court challenge in Hong Kong against his disqualification from district polls, in a move which may have implications for this year's removals of opposition candidates for the city's legislature.

Wong, 23, was the only candidate in district council elections last year to have been disqualified, with authorities saying his candidacy contravened electoral laws that bar "advocating or promoting self-determination".

Wong, who China calls a "black hand" of foreign forces, said at the time he supported the idea of a non-binding referendum for people to have a say over Hong Kong’s future status within China. But he is against independence which is anathema for Beijing.

"The reason I apply for judicial review is to make clear that the power of the returning officer keeps enlarging, they are just [pursuing a] political mission," said Wong, referring to officials who vet candidates.