Date
13.8.93
15
+
Chinese Comments on Through Train/Convergence
Appendix IV
Official/Sources
/Commentators
Chinese sources quoted by the HK Economic Journal
Comments
To ride the through train, legislators elected in 1995 must meet the BL's nationality requirements. If the total number of legislators holding foreign passports or having right of abode in foreign countries is more than 20 per cent, someone will have to get off the train in 1997.
19.8.93
19.8.93
Chinese sources quoted by Ming Pao
Kwan Chiu in Ta Kung Pao
19.8.93
New Evening Post editorial
20.8.93
Xiao Weiyun
The Chinese side has no intention of laying down objective criteria for the through train at the talks because it is worried that the criteria will be overturned by the NPC or the SARPC to be set up in 1996.
SCA Michael Sze's remark that the through train is the logic of the talks is entirely illogical. What the British side wants is an unconditional through train. It seems that the British tactics now are to insist on the through train without taking convergence with the BL into account.
It is illogical for Michael Sze to argue that the through train is the logic of the talks. The issue has never been on the agenda. Insistence on raising it at the talks is a departure from the main theme, which is arrangements for the 1994/95 elections. The through train question is something that will not come up until 1997.
The SARPC PWC political sub-group's meeting on September 1 and 2 will focus on its work plan and will not touch on the through train. As the issue is sensitive, even if it was raised at the PWC, any
recommendations made would only be passed to the SARPC for reference.
CONFIDENTIAL