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significance, in marking a new phase in our bilateral
relationship, and in the relationship between Hong Kong and Peking.
Much progress
4. Seven years ago, in September 1984, the Joint
Declaration was initialled here in Peking.
has been made towards ensuring the smooth implementation of the provisions of this historic agreement. At first, our warm relations and joint purpose ensured that progress was smooth and relatively fast. More recently this has not been
the case, and we have encountered difficulties both in our
bilateral relations and in our discussions over the future
of Hong Kong. It is, however, a tribute to the underlying
strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to
the people of Hong Kong that, despite these difficulties, we
have continued to talk to each other and have been able to
reach the good agreement on Hong Kong's new airport which we
have signed today. Now we look to the future.
5. Seven years into a marriage is a good time to renew the
vows between partners. That is what we have been doing
today and what is written down in the Memorandum of
Understanding. There have been many changes in the world since 1984, some negative, some positive. But some things endure: the Joint Declaration remains the strong
corner-stone of both British and Chinese policy towards Hong
Kong. In our talks today we have confirmed our
determination to implement both its letter and its spirit. Britain is wholly committed to cooperate in the restoration
of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty from 1 July 1997. China is equally committed to maintaining Hong Kong's existing
systems for fifty years thereafter. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs: Hong Kong people will
rule Hong Kong.
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