"shall be selected by elections or through
consultations...." A second key point is that the Basic Law constitutional model which your author found inadequate is still a draft, which the committee have made clear can be amended in the light of the debate now under way in Hong Kong. The whole Basic Law text is still a draft. In general it reflects the Joint Declaration accurately. Substantial changes have been made to meet concerns expressed in Hong Kong and there is every reason to expect further improvement.
Consultation and negotiation is the way in which we, the Chinese and the people of Hong Kong are cooperating to build Hong Kong's future. It has worked well so far and
will continue to do so. Confrontation would be disastrous
-
that Britain
for Hong Kong. Your other prescription should open its doors to millions of Hong Kong people for settlement would equally be a counsel of despair.
Hong Kong is a success story: a booming economy and a flourishing culture. We are as committed to the continuation of that success as the people of Hong Kong themselves. The Government of China has been brought
to share our perception and commitment. That is the best guarantee of Hong Kong's future liberty and prosperity.