CONFIDENTIAL
China's priorities are economic development and
reunification:
Both would be harmed if China sought to limit Hong Kong's
high degree of autonomy.
Scale of Chinese investment in Hong Kong shows their commitment to its prosperous future. (e.g. China is third largest investor in Hong Kong's manufacturing sector).
Chinese quick to help out with funds following collapse of futures exchange in October: further evidence of their concern that Hong Kong should maintain its position as an
international financial centre.
2.
Achievements of Sino-British Joint Liaison Group
Britain is fully committed to Hong Kong and to faithful implementation of Joint Declaration. Determined to guarantee stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
China fully
shares that commitment.
Extremely good progress is being made in implementing the
Joint Declaration:
Hong Kong is now a separate contracting party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Customs
Co-Operation Council (CCC).
Hong Kong's participation beyond 1997 in a dozen international organisations agreed.
Agreement that Hong Kong should establish its own shipping
register.
Agreement that Hong Kong should have its own air services agreements (three already signed and others in the
pipeline).
CONFIDENTIAL