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Chief Secretary: It is true that the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law mention only that the current systems will continue for 50 years after 1997. I recollect that Deng Xiaoping did at one stage say maybe it will even continue for 100 years, although the JD and the Basic Law do not make specific provisions for 100 years.
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I would expect that in 50 years time we would see very, very significant changes in China itself. We will, of course, see changes in the rest of the world and certainly changes in Hong Kong. And provided and no one is suggesting the contrary - provided China continues on its open-door policies and continues to prosper economically, I think that in its wake there will come political liberalisation. And so over the years, beyond the 50 years, I would think that there will come a stage when the gap, whether in economic or political institutions, between China and Hong Kong, will close and close very rapidly. And so, hopefully hopefully by 100 years after 1997, maybe it will be one country, one system - and Hong Kong's system at that.
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A delegate from Pakistan: Hopefully. But nowadays, still they have a treaty with Russia and China, you know. What will come out after 100 years? Nobody knows.
President: I am sorry, I cannot hear you.
A delegate from Pakistan: You see China has a treaty right away with Russia; these days they have some signed agreement with each other. And nobody knows what will happen after 100 years. We are hoping, which you've said let us hope for the better for the future. That is the only thing I can say.
President: Mrs Wong happens to be a "pessoptimist". But Mrs Chan might be an 'optipessimist'.
A delegate from Pakistan: Yes, she has a new word in the dictionary of English.
President: I wonder what word you use,
Mr Kenneth Allen (Montserrat): Mr Chairman, I seek a clarification. The Honourable speaker said that until the appointed day only the Government, the Privy Council and the Legislative Council will exercise power. I take it that the reference to the Privy Council is to the Judicial Commission of the Privy Council. If I am right, and considering that appeals only go there from the High Court of your lands, why is the reference to the Privy Council rather than to the Courts of the land?