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The
drafted by a committee appointed by the Chinese authorities. first draft was published in April 1988. After a period of consultation in Hong Kong a second draft was published in February 1989 for further public consultation. A final draft was prepared in February. It will be promulgated by the Chinese National People's Congress in late March.
5. Although the drafting of the Basic Law is formally a Chinese responsibility, Britain as co-signatory to the Joint Declaration has the right to try to ensure that the provisions of the Basic Law
The fully accord with the terms of the Joint Declaration. Government have therefore been following the drafting process extremely closely and have maintained a detailed dialogue with the Chinese behind the scenes. The main areas of public concern have been the political structure (see paragraph on democracy); the stationing of Chinese troops in Hong Kong; and the scope for the imposition of national laws (including martial law) in Hong Kong. As a result of our representations, a number of amendments have been made. Although there are some provisions which we would have worded differently, the Basic Law is on the whole an acceptable reflection of the Joint Declaration.
Joint Liaison Group
6.
The
The main forum for the implementation of the Joint Declaration and the discussion of matters relating to the smooth transfer of government in 1997 is the Sino-British Joint Liaisoi Group (JLG). The JLG meets at least three times a year, alternating between London, Hong Kong and Peking. Each side is headed by a Senior Representative of ambassadoral rank, resident in Hong Kong. next JLG meeting is to be held in Peking on 24-27 April. Basic Law has been finalised, we hope it will be possible to resume normal JLG business, which is essential to Hong Kong's confidence in The Chinese have blocked progress at arrangements for the future.
Once the
the last two meetings because of wider political differences.
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