TNAG-1986-FCO40-2819-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 158

arrangements for Hong Kong's future, for at least 50

years after 1997, as a separate entity with its own way

of life intact; indeed a Hong Kong which would function

in almost every way after 1997 as it does now. Hong

Kong would remain as small capitalist enclave within a

huge communist country.

Among the Joint Declaration provisions were that:-

Hong Kong would have its own Government comprising

Hong Kong people, not people brought in from China;

the socialist system and socialist policies would not

be imposed on Hong Kong from China; nor would Hong

Kong pay taxes to China;

Hong Kong's capitalist system and its way of life

would continue, with all its human rights and

freedoms, it laws and its legal system, its own

freely convertible currency, its financial markets,

its free port and so on;

Hong Kong would have autonomy to govern itself and in

most fields to pursue its own policies. Foreign and

defence affairs would be the responsibility of the

sovereign power

-

China

-

Britain's responsibility.

just as they are now

But Hong Kong would

nevertheless be able to conduct its own relations

with other countries on matters such as trade,

culture and civil aviation, and conclude agreements