relations, in particular those in the economic field. This is particularly important, since Hong Kong's access to its principal overseas markets in the industrialised world, which is crucial to Hong Kong's industry, depends upon recognition of the separate nature of these interests.
39. In keeping with the general provisions for Hong Kong to be a Special Administrative Region under Chinese sovereignty, overall respon- sibility for foreign affairs will lie with the Central People's Government, just as overall responsibility for these matters at present lies with Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. At the same time the Hong Kong SAR will be able, under the provisions of this section of the Annex, to look after its own particular interests in certain areas by virtue of the power to be given to it to conclude agreements in appropriate fields and to be represented in the delegation of the People's Republic of China at negotiations of direct concern to Hong Kong.
40. The detailed method by which the provisions of the second para- graph of this section of the Annex, which deals with the application to the Hong Kong SAR of international agreements, will be implemented will have to be worked out during the transitional period and will be one of the matters to be considered by the Joint Liaison Group.
There is a very
large number of international agreements which apply to Hong Kong and whose continued application following the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR will need to be secured. This will require consultation with third countries.
41. The Annex provides for continuity of representation by all foreign states and organisations currently represented in Hong Kong, subject to the approval of the Central People's Government. Changes to the status of such missions may be required in order to take account of the existence or otherwise of formal relations between the People's Republic of China and a particular state. The United Kingdom will be represented in Hong Kong by a Consul-General after 1 July 1997.
Section XII: Defence, Security and Public Order
42. With the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR, the British garrison will be withdrawn and the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China will be responsible for the SAR's defence. This section of the Annex makes clear that the maintenance of public order in the SAR will be the SAR Government's responsibility. It is also stated that military forces sent by the Central People's Government to be stationed in the SAR for the purpose of defence will not interfere in its internal affairs, and that expenditure for these military forces will be borne by the Central People's Government.
Section XIII: Rights and Freedoms
43. This section of the Annex explains that basic rights and freedoms will be protected in the Hong Kong SAR. It covers this important subject without an extended description of the rights and freedoms concerned by providing:
(a) that the rights and freedoms previously enjoyed under the laws of
Hong Kong will be maintained by the SAR Government; and
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