Thursday, 30 September, 2004
China ‘may intervene more’ in HK
By Chris Hogg
BBC correspondent in Hong Kong
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3702858.stm
By Chris Hogg
BBC correspondent in Hong Kong
Analysts in Hong Kong say China is signalling its intention to take a more active role in the territory’s affairs.
Senior mainland officials have revealed that a new set of directives will be issued for the former British colony.
A report published by China’s Communist Party highlights the need to improve Hong Kong’s ability to govern itself.
When the British handed Hong Kong back to China, both sides agreed it would be governed under the so-called “one country, two systems” arrangement.
This agreement was intended to guarantee that Hong Kong’s capitalist economic system and partially democratic political system would remain in place for half a century.
The territory would be granted a high level of autonomy to govern itself.
But analysts say recent events, including two huge pro-democracy marches in the last 18 months, have prompted China to try to tighten its grip on Hong Kong.
The head of an influential Beijing think-tank is quoted as saying that China needs new approaches to the way it implements “one country, two systems”.
He did not say what these might be, or when they would be issued, but he added that Beijing would widen and deepen its involvement in Hong Kong.
There is much interest in Hong Kong in the decision to invite a group of moderate pro-democracy legislators to join an official visit to Beijing for the National Day celebrations.
Some analysts are interpreting the move as an attempt by China’s leadership to improve ties with the pro-democracy camp.
Others argue that with senior democratic party members still banned from entering the mainland, it is an exercise in divide and rule.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3702858.stm
Published: 2004/09/30 07:35:21 GMT
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