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and Macau Affairs Office, Ji Pengfei, directly commented on Hong
Kong's political reforms. He said, "Provisions will have to be made
in the Basic Law concerning Hong Kong's political system after 1997.
That is why, consideration should be made for reforms in the territory's
political system during the transition period to be linked up with
the Basic Law." He also said, "Hong Kong is now in the midst of majer
changes. Our common objective is to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity
and stability and to avoid unnecessary confusion, so that the handover
of sovereignty and self-rule can be smoothly implemented." The above
remarks tell us that the 'handover of sovereignty' to take the place
of colonial rule and self rule to take the place of rule by British-
appointed officials are the major changes during the transition period,
But there will be no major change in the territory's socio-economie
system and lifestyle. That is why Ji Pengfei atressed: "We hope there
will not be rapid changes in Hong Kong during the transition period."
A drastic change in the political system can be regarded as a rapid
change.
Two developments for the representative system
The
The representative system can develop in two directions: One
is to develop on its own without any regard for the existence of the
Basic Law. But such a development is hopeless and will certainly lead
to a blind alley. A second development is to recognize the existence
of the Basic Law and the Joint Declaration as well as the fact that
the existing system will have to be linked up with the Basic Law.
basing of the Joint Liaison Group in Hong Kong in 1988 will provide
excellent conditions for consultations leading to this 'link'. Through
Sino-British cooperation, Hong Kong's political systen vill be more suited to the territory's political, ecomonio, geographical and
cultural realities.
The representative system should take into account the question of handover of sovereignty. The appointment of the chief executive by China is an important element in the manifestation of China's sovereignty
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