(d) will citizens of the Hong Kong SAR be required to serve in the
PLA?
(e) how can the United Kingdom ensure that the new British passport
will be internationally recognised?
(f) will Britain and China make use of the Joint Liaison Group
to fight for Hong Kong's international trading status?
(g) what will be the nationality of those Hong Kong children born after
1997 who are not of Chinese descent?
Believes that Britain and China will fulfil the Agreement and the commitments set out in the Exchange of Memoranda.
20. DR. HENRIETTA IP
The Agreement is a good one, better than anyone hoped. It is also an excellent compromise for all three parties concerned.
Understands that some anxieties remain, but points out that life is full of uncertainties anyway.
Hong Kong people must recover their confidence in themselves, in Hong Kong and in their future. They should not waste any more time and energy on the uncertainties of the future and should direct their energies to building up Hong Kong.
21. MR. Y. L. CHAN
The effective implementation of the Agreement will depend largely on the effort and determination of China, Britain and Hong Kong.
An element that worries the people of Hong Kong is that a few visiting MPs have made some irresponsible comments about Hong Kong's future. It is hoped that the MPs will support the British Government in fulfilling its promises and in resolutely honouring its responsibilities and obligations.
The people of Hong Kong should contribute positively to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. A stable and prosperous Hong Kong is the best guarantee for the realisation of Hong Kong people's expectations.
The Joint Liaison Group should:-
(a) strictly confine its activities to those laid down in the Agreement. By doing so, China can demonstrate her basic policy of giving a high degree of autonomy to Hong Kong.
(b) strive to maintain the international agreements Hong Kong has entered into, to retain various economic and cultural relations, and to acquire international recognition of the travel documents held by Hong Kong people after 1997; and
(c) consider allowing Hong Kong people to participate directly in the
arrangements for the transition.
An elected government should be established in Hong Kong by 1997, and it is time for those who wish to serve the territory to come forward.
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