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also interviewed another member of the group, Mrs. Selina Chow. She was quoted as saying that she was impressed by Madam Deng Yingchao, who, during a meeting with female members of the group, had shown concern and sincerity in resolving the 1997 question. Madam Deng's attitude would help remove some of HK people's jitters over the lease issue.
Earlier, the Oriental Daily News quoted sources close to the delegation as saying that China had gone back to its previous stance before Mrs. Thatcher's Beijing visit in order to stabilise investors' confidence. The sources also said China was reluctant to discuss in detail the proposals for HK's future so as not to erode the confidence of HK people. The Chinese leadership showed concern about recent developments in HK, particularly the sustained weakness of the HK dollar.
The Express quoted an unnamed person familiar with the machinery of the local administration as saying that, in solving the 1997 issue, China had now taken into consideration the question of face for Britain. The editor of Pai Shing Semi-Monthly, Mr. Hu Jiajiang, said the statement by Mr. Xi Zhongxun to the delegation was milder compared with previous ones made by Chinese leaders. This might show that China was now aware that statements made by the Chinese leadership had a rippling effect on HK's economy.
Editorially, Kung Sheung Daily News said the statement made by the delegation showed that they were frank in reflecting the views of HK people. Their approach was quite different from previous local groups to China which had merely acted as mouthpieces of China. The statement was a good reference for HK delegates to the CPPCC in dealing with China on the 1997 issue. The paper called on these delegates to reflect the real situation to China and not do anything to harm the interests of local residents. They should not bend with the wind and speculate on politics. The Express commended the Lee delegation for making it clear to Chinese leaders that the self-rule option might not uphold the territory's prosperity and stability.
The left-wing New Evening Post and HK Commercial Daily said the group had been very candid in telling Chinese leaders that the self-rule proposition was no guarantee for HK's prosperity. The New Evening Post also said the Chinese leadership tried to understand the complexity of the issue by hearing more views, including those of the opposition, so that it could act more discreetly. Beijing was open-minded to HK residents. China had been putting in a lot of effort to eliminate changeability and to ensure stability in the country. Through the exchange of views and in-depth studies, an acceptable method to administer HK with sovereignty reverting to China could be found.
Sing Tao Wan Pao said the reported statement by Xi Zhongxun that the systems in HK would remain unchanged was something new by Chinese officials.
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