TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 107

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3: CHINA'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS, AND INVOLVEMENT IN, CONSULTATION

PROCESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT DECLARATION IN HONG KONG?

I am sure the Committee will have opportunities to pursue this

question when they visit China.

The Chinese Government share with us a firm commitment at the

highest level to the full and faithful implementation of the Joint

Declaration. Their commitment has frequently been restated.

The prime point of contact for implementation of the Joint

Declaration is of course the Joint Liaison Group. The JLG has a

solid record of achievements behind it. The Chinese side of the JLG

has always tackled the issues raised in a very methodical and

careful way. This often entails a learning process for them as the

JLG tackles issues (eg extradition) which are unfamiliar to them.

Members of the Chinese side of the JLG are now based in Hong Kong

and thus have every opportunity to learn more about what makes Hong Kong tick. The Hong Kong Government have also arranged a scheme of

familiarisation visits and legal exchanges for Chinese officials who

handle Hong Kong affairs to learn more about the territory.

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The other vital area of implementation of the Joint Declaration is of course the drafting of the Basic Law. The drafting process has been commendably open.. Care has been taken throughout the drafting process fully to involve Hong Kong people, in the BLDC and the BLCC. Mainland BLDC members have paid visits to Hong Kong to canvass opinion, and will do so again in the coming months. Many of the changes made to the Basic Law reflect Chinese concern to take

account of Hong Kong views.