The Tiananmen clock is ticking

Article Abstract:

The last stage in the reversion of Hong Kong to mainland Chinese sovereignty began in Jan 1996 with the setting-up of the Preparatory Committee, allowing China to work directly with Hong Kong representatives in establishing the Special Administrative Region which will start on July 1, 1997. This stage may be the most difficult as it will show whether Beijing really intends to set up a framework permitting Hong Kong to exercise the high degree of independence envisaged in the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984. A smooth transfer of power will preserve the confidence of the people of Hong Kong, the foreign investment community, and of the people of Taiwan for eventual reunification.

Chinese reunification question, 1949-

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The Hong Kong example

Article Abstract:

The election held on May 24, 1998, for Hong Kong's first Legislative Council under Chinese rule can be regarded as one of the most significant political developments in the history of communist China. However, there are still many challenges facing democrats in Hong Kong. The Legislative Council is firmly controlled by the authorities in Beijing, China, and the detailed provisions of the Basic Law for the operation of the Legislative Council are also contrary to the guarantee that Hong Kong would have independent legislative power. China's leaders must now recognize that a free, stable Hong Kong is vital to the future of China.

Democracy, Hong Kong foreign relations

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Staying on - the impossible scenario

Article Abstract:

Speculation that the UK could have retained control of Hong Kong past 1997, if the subject of treaty renewal had not been broached with Deng Xiaoping by Hong Kong Gov Murray MacLehose in 1979, is probably unfounded. Chinese officials assert that their government was always determined to regain Hong Kong in 1997 or shortly thereafter to avenge the insult to Chinese sovereignty that the treaty represented. MacLehose and the UK government failed to keep Hong Kong residents informed about the eventual transfer of control because they feared a negative economic reaction from Hong Kong's financial markets.

United Kingdom, History, International relations, British foreign relations, Hong Kong-China reunification question, Deng Xiaoping, MacLehose, Murray

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