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Jumping the gun

Article Abstract:

The Chinese government is anxious to exert its authority over Hong Kong several months before the official hand-over in Jul. 1997. China's Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa will not agree to be addressed by his official title Chief Executive-Designate although Britain has not obstructed Tung's early claim on authority because his position is inevitable. He is already overseeing plans to implement Chinese law in the British Colony. China has refused to accept international criticism over its intention to remove civil rights, promoting pro-democracy activists into action.

Public Administration, State Government, United Kingdom, Political aspects, British foreign relations, Hong Kong-China reunification question, Sovereignty, Violation of

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Change of heart

Article Abstract:

Christine Loh, Hong Kong legislator, appears to be defecting from the democratic camp. Once a critic of China's plans for transition to Chinese rule, she has joined a pro-China business group. She claims friends in the business group urged her to join, but sources within the foundation say she solicited participation. She also abstained from a vote condemning the Chinese transition committee as unrepresentative. The committee rewarded her by accepting her petition protesting abolition of the legislature and giving her a face-to-face audience.

Politicians, Legislators, Loh, Christine

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The offer that wasn't

Article Abstract:

China raised hopes in the Hong Kong Democratic Party when Foreign Minister Qian Qichen offered to hold talks with it. Democrats had been excluded because they opposed China's plans to appoint a governing body when it takes over Hong Kong in 1997. When Democrats accepted the invitation, the Chinese then made talks contingent on Democratic withdrawal of their opposition. Political theorists think the offer was made either as a sop to international opinion or to promote a smooth transition.

International relations, Democratic Party (Hong Kong), Qian Qichen

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