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11. WILL CHINESE STICK TO AGREEMENT?
Formal and binding international agreement. No reason to believe that Chinese Government will breach an agreement they have freely entered into. China is justifiably proud of its record in meeting obligations under international agreements.
12. WHAT IF CHINESE BREACH AGREEMENT?
Breach of a legally binding international agreement would be a most serious matter, in our own eyes and no doubt in those of
international community as a whole. We would of course make the
strongest possible representations to the Chinese Government in order to seek a remedy.
13.
WHY NO PROVISION FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPERVISION?
This is a solemn, legally binding agreement between two sovereign states. Highest form of bilateral commitment between states.
14. WHY NO CAST-IRON GUARANTEES / ASSURANCES?
There can be no such thing as a cast-iron assurance relating to the future. But both parties have strongest possible incentive to observe the agreement. Their international prestige is at stake. The maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity is strongly in the interests of both sides.
15. WHY "JOINT DECLARATION"?
A legally binding international agreement of this type can be given a number of different titles. The precise choice does not affect its status. "Joint Declaration" was a title acceptable to both
sides.
16.
WHAT MAKES THE JOINT DECLARATION LEGALLY BINDING?
In paragraph 7 of the Joint Declaration the two sides agree to implement the preceding declarations and the Annexes to the Joint Declaration. This coupled with paragraph 8, which state that the Joint Declaration and its Annexes will be equally binding makes the entire agreement legally binding on the two sides.
17. WILL AGREEMENT BE REGISTERED AT THE UN?
Yes.
We shall register it in accordance with normal international
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