Cleared for action

Article Abstract:

Hong Kong governor Christopher Patten's policy proposals have been criticized by China. The proposals restrict the number of elected seats in the legislature to 20 and prevent the United Democrats from occupying seats in the Executive Council (Exco) in accordance with the 1984 Joint Declaration signed by China and UK. The Chinese leadership, however, fears that these reforms will make the legislature too strong and prevent pro-Peking industrial groups from having a conclusive say in the government. Governor Patten is expected to discuss these proposals on his Oct 1992 tour to China.

---

Patten can help break deadlock; he should offer to help prepare for new elections in 1997

Article Abstract:

China and the UK are locked in a dispute over when the term of Hong Kong's current Legislative Council ends. China insists that it ends on Jun 30, 1997 when political authority of the colony is transferred while the UK insists the council should serve out its term until 1999. Both countries can save face if the UK accepts some changes and helps prepare for new elections to take place soon after the transfer of power in 1997. This method will make it difficult for China to insist on appointing its own Provisional Legislature.

United Kingdom, China, Column, Chinese foreign relations, British foreign relations

---

A different style

Article Abstract:

Governor Christopher Patten feels that his constitutional reform proposals will promote democratic functioning in post-1997 Hong Kong. His proposals recommend strengthening the legislature, making the government answerable to it and guaranteeing the rule of law. Patten believes that, while Hong Kong cannot enjoy the British type of democracy under Chinese control, his proposals could safeguard Hong Kong's future.

Interview

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Race for kindergartens. A dying breed
• Abstracts: The nuclear option. Foreign favorites. China's oil shock
• Abstracts: Told you so. Slight slowdown. Great expectations
• Abstracts: Military solution: army crackdown could further alienate Sindh. Mayhem in Sindh
• Abstracts: Atomic engineering. Japanese diversity. Setting up on enemy ground

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.