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FM PEKING
TO IMMEDIATE FCO
TELNO 1310
OF 241017Z SEPTEMBER 93
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이라
INFO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG, UKREP JLG HONG KONG
183.
OUR TELNO 1307: HONG KONG: DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE: DENG XIAOPING
SUMMARY
1.
MFA spokesman comments on the publication of Deng Xiaoping's remarks on Hong Kong.
DETAIL
2. In response to questions about the reason why China had published the text of Deng Xiaoping's statement to Mrs Thatcher now, an MFA spokesman described Deng's remarks as highly far-sighted and entirely correct. Eleven years had passed since Deng had made these important remarks, in which he expounded, the basic position of the Chinese government on the question of Hong Kong. The talk had proved to be of great importance and realistic significance for the smooth transition of power in Hong Kong in
1997.
3.
He continued that it was an arduous task to implement completely the Sino-British Joint Declaration since there were less than four years of the transitional period Left. No matter what difficulties cropped up China had the determination and the capability to resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and to carry out the policies of 'one country, two systems'' and ''Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong'' so as to maintain Hong Kong's Long term prosperity and stability. The Chinese side sincerely hoped that in the few years Left of the transitional period, the governments of China and Britain would conduct cooperation and make common efforts to fulfil the historic task entrusted by the Joint Declaration to the two countries.
COMMENT
4. Although the spokesman's reply did not directly answer
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