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even if the talks could not end with an agreement, he hoped the two sides could continue their co-operation on the economic front as well as matters concerning HK's transition to ensure HK's prosperity. The Governor said the British side had not set a
He indicated he deadline or an ultimatum but time was running out.
was willing to meet Lu Ping any time.
Jiang Zemin
17. Papers noted (23.10) Chinese State President Jiang Zemin told former British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, who was visiting Peking, that he believed the talks could achieve positive results if the 'three conformities' were followed. Jiang said maintaining good Sino-British relations would be in accordance to the interests of both Britain and China.
Li Peng
18. Chinese Premier Li Peng, speaking to a visiting Japanese news agency delegation (23.10) maintained that from the start, China had adopted a positive attitude to the talks. The objective was to guarantee a smooth transition and HK's long term stability and prosperity. But whether the talks would succeed did not depend on China alone.
19. Li Peng's interview with a HK magazine (2.11) Wide Angle, was accorded prominent coverage. Li said the Chinese hoped an agreement could be reached but if the talks failed, the responsibility was not on the Chinese side. Li also said the original plan was to set up the SARPC in 1996, but in view of the present situation, a lot of work had to be advanced and speeded up to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain HK's prosperity.
Li Langing
Chinese Vice-Premier Li Langing told a group of young HK industrialists in Peking (25.10) the talks had made very little achievements.
Li The major difference was the 'through train'. said most LegCo members, except a very small number, could ride the through train. However, if the British-HK authorities adopted the Governor's package there would be no through train in 1997. also assured the group that 'HK people ruling HK' was China's established policy and that even if the talks failed, HK's economy would not be affected.
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