HONG KONG: CHINESE ATTITUDE TO THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE
Points to make
This is
The package is not aimed against China and will not damage Chinese
interests. Under the Joint Declaration, we have an obligation to
maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
precisely what our package is designed to achieve.
keep people in Hong Kong for the benefit of Hong Kong (and
therefore also China).
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The aim is to
- It has always been clear from the Joint Declaration that a few top
posts in the future SAR Government would be reserved for Chinese
nationals. We accept that those who wish to reach these top posts
will therefore have to decide whether to apply for British
citizenship.
The British Government's task in keeping Hong Kong stable and
prosperous until 1997 is not easy. But it will be made more
difficult if the Chinese Government are determined to take a hostile
view of the measures which we take to try and keep people in Hong
Kong and working for Hong Kong.
We look to the Chinese Government to support us (as they are pledged to do under the Joint Declaration) in our efforts to fulfil
our commitment to the Joint Declaration.
Defensive Line
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Joint Declaration guarantees rights of Hong Kong residents including foreign nationals. Specifically states that they can.
continue to be employed and recruited with the public service except for certain very senior posts.
Rights of freedom of movement also guaranteed by Joint
Declaration.
FABAJR