TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 105

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

(ii) Implication for Hong Kong

The Chinese Government are well aware of our concern over reactions in Hong Kong to the events in Tibet.

But there are crucial differences between Hong Kong and Tibet and between Chinese policies towards Hong Kong and Tibet.

The historical, geographical, ethnic, economic and constitutional circumstances of the two places are very different. In the case of Hong Kong, its future is guaranteed by an internationally binding agreement. This is not true in the case of Tibet.

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(iii) Human Rights in China

We have taken note of China's commitment to human rights and its efforts to build up a legal system and respect for the law. This is a fundamental component of their reform programme. We are ready to offer the Chinese Government practical assistance in law reform and improving the professionalism of their civil service.

China is a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights: Chinese leaders point to their responsibility and their concern for international law and the international community that their reliability in this will be measured in the world by the way in which they respect their own undertakings both internationally and towards their own citizens.

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