British consortia in HK would of course like to have HK's present
position maintained over a lengthy period. But their influence in Britain is not strong. The majority of people there think: "Britain should give
up all her colonies." After the second world war, Britain has given up innumerable colonies, such as India, Pakistan, Burma, Malaya, Singapore,
Ghana, Uganda, Palestine,
Politically, it would be difficult for
Britain to continue keeping HK as a Colony, as this is against modern
political thoughts on independence and autonomy. Radical intellectuals
in Britain have always attacked the British government for keeping HK as
a Colony. If we were in the same position, Ming Pao would also object to
'our country' owning a colony.
On the other hand, looking at world military strategy, Britain is
very interested in maintaining a good relationship with China. And HK is
an important foundation stone for promoting the friendship between Britain
and China. According to figures recently released by China, her total
exports and imports last year amounted to US$36,664 million with a trade
deficit of US$570 million. Although the deficit is not serious, her exports
to HK and Macau totalled US$4,480 million, representing a trade surplus of
US$3,960 million. Without exports to HK and Macau, China would have a
deficit of US$4,930 million. China exports to HK and Macau took up about
one quarter of her total exports. Considering trade alone, China will not
allow any change in the position of HK. And cooperation from Britain is
absolutely essentail.
HK people are the ones most concerned about whether HK's situation
will change. Next is China. Britain is the most unconcerned and is
nonchalant. To her, maintaining HK's status quo is half boon half bane.
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