ENG-1993 — Page 64

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IMPLEMENTATION

OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION:

THE Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong was signed by the British and Chinese Governments on December 19, 1984. Under the terms of the agreement, on July 1, 1997, the British Government will restore Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong will become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, enjoying a high degree of autonomy. Also, the capitalist system and life-style of Hong Kong will remain unchanged for 50 years.

To ensure effective implementation of its provisions, the Joint Declaration provided for the establishment of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) and the Sino-British Land Commission.

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group

The functions of the JLG are to conduct consultations on the implementation of the Joint Declaration, to discuss matters relating to the smooth transfer of government in 1997, and to exchange information and conduct consultations on such subjects as may be agreed by the two sides. It is an organ for liaison, with no role in the administration of Hong Kong.

The JLG comprises a senior representative and four other members on each side. It held its first meeting in July 1985. Since July 1988, it has taken Hong Kong as its principal base. Both sides have established offices in the territory and their respective senior representa- tives are resident in Hong Kong. The JLG holds plenary sessions at least once every year in Beijing and London, besides Hong Kong.

During the year, the JLG held three plenary sessions in June, September and December, the last one being its 28th meeting. It also held expert talks on a number of issues. While some limited progress was made, the overall progress was slow.

Matters discussed included defence lands, major franchises and contracts extending beyond 1997, right of abode, travel documents, international rights and obligations, air services agreements, and localisation and adaptation of laws.

Defence Lands

During the plenary sessions and talks at expert level, the JLG further discussed the future of lands in Hong Kong presently used for defence purposes. The objective was to agree on a package which would satisfy both the reasonable defence requirements of the Chinese Government after 1997 and the need to release land for the socio-economic development of Hong Kong.

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