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Britain, China fail to narrow differences over Hong Kong
Rifkind meets with future colony leader
February 16, 1997
Web posted at: 3:08 p.m. EST (1508 GMT)HONG KONG (CNN) -- British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind met with Hong Kong's future leader for the first time Sunday, but the two failed to narrow the gap between the outgoing and incoming governments.
Hong Kong is to be reverted from British control to Chinese rule on July 1. The two sides have sharply split over changes to current laws, especially those concerning civil liberties.
"The British stand is clear but I wish they would reconsider," said Tung Chee-hwa, the future chief executive of Hong Kong.
Tung described his meeting with Rifkind as otherwise constructive and useful and indicated he would "listen very carefully" to input on how the laws should be changed.
But he stood by his conviction that Hong Kong should embrace what he calls "Chinese values" favoring community needs over individual human rights.
"I have a set of values and beliefs which I will hold on to very much," he told CNN.
Rifkind called the disagreements "a serious impediment to the kind of smooth transition that we would ideally wish."
He also said Britain would maintain "maximum pressure" in its opposition to China's plans until June 30, the last day of colonial rule in Hong Kong. "We do not for a moment believe that our obligations would cease on June 30," he added.
In line with this, Rifkind said the international community, including the United States and other powers, will monitor developments in Hong Kong after 1997 because it "is an asset for the world, not just for its own people or for a particular regime."
Fears of Hong Kong recession
With the region's economy booming, concerns have been raised that China's hard-line stance could erode Hong Kong's economy.
"I believe that people are nervous and worried and anxious," Rifkind said. "I wouldn't say confidence has disappeared. The economy is still very buoyant. But people are worried."
However, Tung, citing responses to several surveys from international companies in Hong Kong, maintained that confidence remains high.
The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which established the handover, calls for China to keep Hong Kong's civil liberties and capitalist system intact for 50 years.
The main disagreements over the handover revolve around Beijing's plan to weaken two civil liberties laws and install a largely self-selected legislature pending fresh elections in 1998.
China says Britain changed the election rules and broadened civil liberties without its consent.
Related stories:
- Panel votes to amend Hong Kong's civil liberties laws - February 1, 1997
- Human rights take center stage in Beijing talks - January 29, 1997
- Pro-democracy activists protest in Hong Kong - January 27, 1997
- Pro-China politician to head future Hong Kong legislature - January 25, 1997
- Hong Kong warily counting down to reunion with China - December 30, 1996
Related sites:
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- Welcome to the Hong Kong Transition Project
- Hong Kong
- The Better Hong Kong Foundation
- South China Morning Post 1997: Countdown to History
- Hong Kong Government Information Centre
- Hong Kong Supernet Home Page
- The Complete Hong Kong Guide
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