(b)
(c)
Hong Kong people should be allowed to be consulted about/participate in the drafting of the Basic Law.
COMMENT:
[Drafting of the Basic Law will be a matter for the
Chinese Government. The Chinese Government has made it
clear however that the people of Hong Kong will be
consulted. The exact form of that consultation has yet
to be announced. There will of course be close
co-operation between the Chinese and British Governments through the Joint Liaison Group.]
Concern about Chinese troops stationed in Hong Kong
interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs.
COMMENT:
[The agreement makes clear that public order will be the responsibility of the SAR Government and that
troops stationed in the SAR will not interfere in its
internal affairs.]
(d)
Possible conscription of Hong Kong people into the
PLA
COMMENT:
[Defence and foreign affairs are recognised in the agreement as being the concern of the Chinese government. The question of conscription is not mentioned in the agreement. That is not to say that there will be conscription. The Chinese Government have not suggested there would be.]
(e) Concern about the international recognition of the new
British passport and the Hong Kong SAR passport, if freedom of travel is to be guaranteed.
COMMENT:
[Both the SAR and the new-styled British passports will
contain a clear statement of the holder's right of
abode in the Hong Kong SAR. The SAR Government will be
assisted or authorised by Central People's Government
to conclude visa abolition agreements. The British
Government will do all they can to secure the same
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