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allow Hong Kong people to steadily and increasingly manage
their own affairs under the concept of "One Country Two
Systems" and "Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong". In the
Joint Declaration this is referred to as "a high degree of
autonomy" to be given to Hong Kong people.
At the same time, the British Government shows
every indication that it is committed to hand over to China
on 30 June 1997 a dynamic, thriving and prosperous Hong Kong
in accordance with the terms of the Joint Declaration.
One Country Two Systems
Two
It is a matter of necessity that there is a common
meeting of minds of all concerned on the "One Country
Systems" concept.
China's interpretation in a nutshell is that Hong
Kong's capitalistic system whereby free enterprise and asset
ownership by individuals should be allowed to continue as
against China's present socialist system where the emphasis
is very much on public ownership.
Also, in order to ensure that the reunification of
Hong Kong with China takes place smoothly in 1997, China has
indicated that political changes during the transition period
should not be radical, or as stated recently by
Mr. Ji Peng-fei:
香港萬變不離其宗
meaning that "Whatever changes take place in Hong Kong, they
/should