RESTRICTED
161236
MDHIAN 7228 ·
this. What is now happening is against our wish. The Chinese side will step up work in all areas for the resumption of the administration of sovereignty. The Chinese side have the resolve and the ability to implement the "one country two systems" policy and the BL, and to uphold Hong Kong's Long term stability and prosperity.
3. The spokesman gave the following answers to journalists' questions:
Q: The British side said on 15 December that the Chinese side have not informed them formally that the negotiations are over, and that they had therefore not yet decided whether or not to disclose the contents of the talks. Comment?
A: During the whole process of the talks it has been the British side who have been disclosing the contents of the talks. On 15 December, in the absence of an agreement in the talks, the Hong Kong British authorities flagrantly submitted the partial reform bill to LegCo thereby undermining the talks. We are now watching developments closely.
Q: Last week you said there had been no diplomatic contacts between Britain and China but the Britsh Embassy here have said that they are maintaining normal contacts with the Chinese side. Comment?
A: There have been no contacts in this regard. The British side should not deceive the public and befuddle public opinion.
Q: What measures will China take to recover Hong Kong before 1997?
A: We will intensify our efforts in all fields for resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The recent meeting of the PWC demonstrates this.
Q: NCNA (HK) said that Britain had "destroyed the basis for cooperation between China and Britain". You did not use this phrase. What exactly is the Chinese Government's position on this, and does "cooperation" refer only to Hong Kng business or to the whole range of bilateral issues?
A: The statement I just read out elaborates comprehensively the Chinese Government's position. Hong Kong is an important part of
PAGE 2 RESTRICTED