TNAG-2788-FCO40-4027-Chinese-policy-on-Hong-Kong-an-overview-1993 — Page 14

7 -

A28.

Speaking at the Chinese National Day reception on 30 September 1993, Li Peng said that the preparatory work

for China's resumption over the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong was "enormous" and needed to be started

right away. He said that no matter what happened China would recover sovereignty over Hong Kong and ensure its

long-term prosperity and stability. He said that the

recently publicised remarks by Deng demonstrated China's

determination to do that.

A29.

Qian Qichen was quoted as saying that if the British side unilaterally submitted the Governor's package

to LegCo the Chinese side would not recognise the 1994-95

elections. He said that the talks on electoral

arrangements had made some progress but it was not

substantial. (Hong Kong press 4 October 1993).

A30.

In an interview with CNS, Qian said that if the

British side implemented their own package Sino-British

co-operation for a smooth transition would not be possible

(Hong Kong press 4 October).

A31.

At the beginning of the 13th Round of Talks on

Electoral Arrangements, Jiang Enzhu commented to reporters

that if an agreement could be achieved this would be beneficial for a smooth handover on the political plane.

He added that if no agreement was reached that would be no

big deal (meiyou shenmo liaobugi) (TKP-12 October 1993).

A32.

Commenting on the Governor's address to LegCo on 6

October, Lu Ping said that the 1994 and 1995 elections could be dealt with separately. The two elections were

only inter-related on the two issues of voting age and

single seat single vote system. (HK press 13 October 1993).

j

L..

;