TNAG-1036-FCO40-1286-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 72

FBIS

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23 Jan 81

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PEOPLE'S

REPUBLIC OF CHINA HONG KONG COMMUNIST PRESS

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QISHI NIANDAI ON HONG KONG'S POLITICAL FUTURE

HK191501 Hong Kong QISHT NIANDAI in Chinese No 1, Jan 81 pp 44-45

[Article by Zhang Dusheng: "A Plan for Solving Hong Kong's Political Future"]

[Text] The Crux of the Issue

In the past 1 or 2 years, there have been many discussions on Hong Kong's political future. Most people hold that it is a very comlicated issue. Before finding the plan to solve this issue, it is necessary to first determine the crux of the issue.

Communist China probably has no intention of changing Hong Kong's present situation. The reason is very simple. If the PRC takes Hong Kong back, it will not only lose its main source for obtaining capital, foreign exchange and technology, but it will also lose

Besides, if a convenient channel for strengthening communications with foreign countries. Hong Kong's present situation is not guaranteed, a large amount of funds could be drained. If this happened, Communist China would not only lose the above advantages, but would also have to solve the problems of millions of unemployed and the livelihood of their relatives.

As for Britain, prolonging its rule in Hong Kong will perhaps lead to the opposition of

However, such forces are some political organizations and industrial and commercial bodies. very weak and enjoy no influence at present. Britain also seems unwilling to give up the

It is believed that neither the Labor enormous benefits it can obtain from Hong Kong. Party nor the Constervative Party will flatly change Hong Kong's position while in power. It is believed even more strongly that the majority of Hong Kong's residents hope to maintain the present situation. A 1977 study conducted by Dr Liu Shao-chia of the

Among the Hong Kong Sociology Department of the Hong Kong Chinese University indicated: citizens that he investigated, 81.6 percent wished that Hong Kong would maintain its present situation. Therefore, as long as Communist China officially agrees to maintain the present situation, Britain naturally has no reason to shift its responsibility.

N.J. Miners of the Since both parties can reach a compromise, what are the problems? Political Department of Hong Kong University holds that Britain is a country that stresses rule by law. Since the lease of the New Territories will expire in 1997, Britain will only be able to obtain the legal basis to exercise its ruling rights if Communist China officially gives permission for Britain to continue its rule in the New Territories. ever, since Communist China does not recognize the treaty signed between Britain and the Qing government, naturally they will not negotiate renewal of the treaty with Britain.

Both sides have a common goal but without a perfect solution. the issue lies.

Proposed Solution

How-

This is where the crux of

The following is a proposal which the author offers to the relevant circles for solving Hong Kong's political future. At the same time, he hopes to arouse those at home and abroad who are concerned about Hong Kong's future to further discuss this issue.

The author holds that a perfect solution must contain the following conditions:

1. Communist China must make a clear indication to provide Britain with the legal basis for its rule in Hong Kong within a certain period.

2.

This period must be for at least 15 years so that investors have enough time to recover their capital and profits. economic situation.

This is essential for maintaining Hong Kong's current