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4
7.
our
In recent rounds in the talks, the Chinese have used
refusal to implement the 20% nationality rule, together
our refusal to accept other Chinese proposals, as reasons
for refusing to discuss with us the "through train" criteria.
with
The Limits of Our Involvement
8.
The case
against implementing
That
the 20% nationality
rule in 1995 (see para. 5 above) is over-whelming.
position must be maintained.
9.
Even if we were to engage the Chinese in discussing
how they might implement the rule in 1997, this must only be
on the basis that the HKG would not be involved in any act to
implement any part of the rule. In other words, we would only
prepared to discuss with the Chinese how they might
implement it.
be
our discussions
Any steps that they might take as a result of
would form no part of our electoral
[But see para. 13 below.]
legislation before 1997.
The Case for Engagement
10. (a)
The Chinese appeared to be determined to implement
the rule in 1997 (if not earlier). It should be
according
noted
in
this context that,
to
G.F. 316
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