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5.7 During the Cultural Revolution, widespread unrest throughout China spilled over into Hong Kong, especially in 1967/68. The imprisonment of rioters in Hong Kong and the refusal to bend to Chinese pressure for their release led to the sacking of the British Mission in Peking. China now displays a much more relaxed and pragmatic attitude towards Hong Kong and has been notably cooperative in recent years. There are substantial, and increasing, Chinese investments in Hong Kong and large numbers of Chinese officials in, for example, the New China News Agency (NCNA), the Bank of China and many trading and other organisations. The Hong Kong Government's regular contacts with the Chinese are relaxed and easy; there is close contact with the Shenzhen and Guangdong authorities on matters of mutual concern.
5.8 In recent months, the Chinese Government have apparently begun to focus more closely on the question of the future of Hong Kong, and there is now much speculation in Hong Kong as to their intentions. The Chinese have publicly stated that they intend to "recover" sovereignty over the whole of Hong Kong, but that they wish to maintain its prosperity and stability. There were useful contacts between the British and Chinese Governments when Lord
Carrington visited China in April 1981, and during the Lord Privy Seal's visit in January 1982: the process of consultation was continued during the Prime Minister's visit in September, when it was announced that the two Governments would hold talks with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's visit have now begun.
IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA
5.9 Hong Kong's capacity to accept immigrants, even temporarily, is severely limited by the strain imposed on its essential services by an already overcrowded population Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Immigration thus represents a constant problem.
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