HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 5 July 1989
2061
There are a number of possible ways of achieving the objective. And further study is necessary.
Perhaps one option would be to establish a United Nations monitoring group to supervise the 50 years of a "high degree of autonomy." This would provide neutral monitoring of implementation of the Joint Declaration; adherence to the Basic Law; elections in the HKSAR; the movement of Chinese troops affecting the HKSAR, and the maintenance of human rights.
Conclusion
Many of the above proposals are not easy to achieve. But given the will, there must be a way.
And it is entirely in China's interest to give Hong Kong a better deal if it still wants to take Hong Kong back from the British Government on 1 July 1997 as a prosperous and stable international city.
But if the British and Chinese Governments will not co-operate fully with each other and solve this most pressing confidence crisis, then there is a strong likelihood that both will be in breach of clause 4 of the Joint Declaration, which provides that "during the transitional period, ... the Government of the United Kingdom will be responsible for the administration of Hong Kong with the object of maintaining and preserving its economic prosperity and social stability; and that the Government of the PRC will give its co-operation in this connection."
MR. LI: Sir, the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) report is lamentable. There are a few constructive recommendations. But these are overshadowed by arrogance and ignorance. Certainly, this is not one of the Mother of Parliaments' finest hours.
The report attempts to divide our society. This we must ignore. We must unite. We must throw our full weight behind you, Sir, and our Government.
Events overtook the FAC. Their report is based largely on observations and comments made before 4 June. Today, there is a totally new situation in Hong Kong.
The FAC failed to recognize this despite pleas from you, Sir, from the Senior Members of OMELCO, from Members of this Council and the community, including myself, who went to the United Kingdom to press our case, and from the people of Hong Kong.
Without sympathy, perception, understanding, vision and even a sense of reality, the FAC's report is virtually meaningless.