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This brings me to the key question of continuity.
The Chinese government have made it clear publicly
that they recognise the special circumstances of Hong
Kong, and that they want its social and economic
systems and lifestyle in many ways so different
from those of mainland China to remain unchanged.
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They have also underlined their recognition that
Hong Kong should continue as a separate entity within
the international economic and trading community.
Our
We share with the Chinese Government the strongest
possible common interest in these objectives.
approach to the talks has, therefore, been to examine
with the government of China how it might be possible
to arrive at arrangements that would secure for Hong
Kong after 1997 a high degree of autonomy under
Chinese sovereignty and that would preserve the way of
life of Hong Kong, together with the essentials of
the present systems.
It is important to understand the high degree of
autonomy now exercised by the Hong Kong Government.
Decisions affecting the day-to-day life of Hong Kong
are taken in Hong Kong and not by Her Majesty's
Government in London. I cannot emphasise too strongly
the fact that Her Majesty's Government does not, and
will not, look on Hong Kong as a source of revenue.
Decisions affecting Hong Kong, its economy, its taxes,
its land, the management of its currency are taken in
Hong Kong and by Hong Kong.