TNAG-2781-FCO40-4000-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1993 — Page 148

3.8.93

4.8.93

NCNA HK Branch

Vice-Director Zhu Yucheng to reporters at a public function

Signed Commentary in Bauhinia magazine

4.8.93

Yuk Yin in Wen

Wei Po

5.8.93

8.8.93

Authoritative

Chinese source quoted by Mirror magazine

Zheng Guoxiong at the first meeting of the October 1

celebration

preparatory

committee

CONFIDENTIAL

11

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Under present circumstances, (the two sides) should do and say things that are conducive to cooperation and the talks. The two sides have agreed to conduct the negotiations on the basis of the "three conformities".

Sincerity, the criteria of which are the "three conformities", plays a major part in the restoration of trust and cooperation. Despite the row caused by someone's "three violations, one confrontation" policy, the Chinese side still gives full support to issues concerning the territory's economy, welfare and security. Now that there is a ray of hope in the speeding up of Sino- British talks, the British side should grasp this opportunity and demonstrate its sincerity with concrete actions so that results will be achieved as early as possible.

The Governor has never wanted the talks to yield fruit because a Sino-British agreement will sound the death knell for his "three violations" agreement. This explains why he has played all these petty tricks. It is worth noting that in a TV interview he has said that people expect him to report on the political reforms in his policy address in October and that the Government will have to make electoral arrangements in the absence of a good agreement. He is hinting about an October deadline and the Government pushing ahead with political reforms.

The Party and the Government will not make concessions on matters relating to sovereignty. Should the British insist on its "three violations", China may have to build a new HK in accordance with the BL.

The Chinese side truly hopes that the two sides can resolve their differences through negotiations. It should not be difficult for them to reach a common basis for cooperation if they abide by the principle of the "three conformities" and work for the stability and prosperity of HK and the well-being of HK people.

CONFIDENTIAL