Rebirth Enchanted Xiangjiang

At the same time, the Chinese government has made new efforts to properly resolve the Hong Kong issue in accordance with the established guidelines.In December 1982, the Fifth Session of the Third National People's Congress passed Article 31, that is, "The state may establish special administrative regions when necessary, and the system implemented in the special administrative regions shall be prescribed by law by the National People's Congress in accordance with specific conditions." This is China The implementation of "one country, two systems" after taking back Hong Kong provided a legal basis.At the same time, we carefully listened to the opinions of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong, and formulated the basic guidelines and policies for Hong Kong, namely the "12 Articles", which will be used as the basis for the second phase of negotiations, or be announced separately when necessary.

After learning of these circumstances, the British side wrote a letter to the Chinese Prime Minister in March 1983, stating that Britain did not oppose China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong’s negotiations. “As long as the British and Chinese governments can ensure Hong Kong’s future prosperity An agreement was reached with the administrative arrangement made by Stability and it can be accepted by the British Parliament, the people of Hong Kong and the Chinese government. She is willing to suggest to the Parliament that the sovereignty of Hong Kong should be returned to China.” In April, the Chinese side replied that the Chinese government agreed. Hold formal negotiations as soon as possible.

At the end of May 1983, China and Britain reached an agreement on the procedural issues and three agenda items of the negotiations.1. Make arrangements for maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong after 1997; 2. Make arrangements for Hong Kong from now to 1997; 3. Make arrangements for the transfer of power.

After entering the second stage of negotiations, the main obstacle was that the British side insisted on the "separation of sovereignty and governance" from the beginning, that is, "under the principle of recognizing China's sovereignty over Hong Kong, the British govern Hong Kong as in the past." .The Chinese side insists on the inseparable position of sovereignty and governance. The so-called "sovereignty belongs to China and governance belongs to Britain", which essentially negates China's sovereignty and replaces the old unequal treaty with a new unequal treaty. The treaty is absolutely unacceptable to the Chinese people.The first three rounds of talks did not make any progress, and the fourth round of talks also broke up.

Because the talks have not made any progress, the prospects are unclear, the hearts of Hong Kong people are floating, the exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar and the stock market have fallen sharply.Not only did the British government and the British Hong Kong authorities fail to take measures to stabilize the situation, they instead added to the flames and took the opportunity to play the "economic card" and put pressure on China.This is the so-called "September Storm".People from all walks of life in Hong Kong and the media have strongly criticized Britain's attempt to suppress China's concessions with an "economic card". The citizens held rallies and demonstrations and demanded that the Hong Kong government take measures to stabilize the situation as soon as possible.Seeing that the "economy card" continues to hit one's own feet, the Hong Kong government announced on October 15 that it would implement a linked exchange rate pegged to the U.S. dollar and cancel the Hong Kong dollar deposit interest tax.The "economic card" played by the British side ended in failure.

On October 14, 1983, Mrs. Thatcher wrote to the Chinese leaders, stating that the two sides could discuss Hong Kong's lasting arrangements on the basis of Chinese suggestions.The British side no longer adheres to the "sovereignty for governance" position, and the talks have made progress.

But Margaret Thatcher also wanted to allow the British to continue to play a role in Hong Kong's administration after 1997, such as retaining a British governor and saying that this is essential to maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity.The Chinese side strictly rejected this proposition.In the end, Margaret Thatcher had to give in.

From December 1983 to April 1984, China and Britain held 6 rounds (the 7th to the 12th) negotiations. The main topics were the arrangements after 1997 and related issues during the transition period.From May to September, the two sides held another 10 rounds (the 13th to the 22nd) negotiations. The main topic was to discuss the arrangements for the transition period before 1997 and the transfer of power, and to agree on the contents of the final document.Discussions on these issues have not been smooth sailing, and some issues have also undergone fierce confrontation.For example, China suggests that SAR government officials should be composed of locals and implement "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong". British and foreigners can serve as consultants or positions up to deputy secretary level in some government departments, but the British side proposes that foreigners can serve as civil servants. Up to the highest officials in the system,In an attempt to make the British play a pivotal role in the future SAR government.In another example, China maintains that the Central People's Government is responsible for the defense of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which has the right to station troops in Hong Kong.The British side has repeatedly proposed that Hong Kong does not need to send troops.These British propositions directly violate the principle of Chinese sovereignty, and they are naturally rejected by the Chinese side.Later, there was a dispute over whether to establish a Sino-British Joint Liaison Group.

After a fierce contest between China and Britain, two years of negotiations on the Hong Kong issue finally reached an agreement.On September 26, 1984, the Sino-British joint statement on the Hong Kong issue was first initialed by Zhou Nan and Evans, the heads of the two delegations.On December 19, 1984, the official signing ceremony was grandly held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. A group of Hong Kong people from all walks of life was invited to attend the ceremony.The heads of government of China and Britain solemnly signed their names on the joint statement on behalf of their governments.The Sino-British Joint Declaration announced to the world that the Chinese government will resume its exercise of power on Hong Kong on July 1, 1997, and the United Kingdom will return Hong Kong to China on the same day.

The Sino-British negotiations on the Hong Kong issue have a special historical status and significance in the diplomatic history of New China.It successfully achieved the smooth return of Hong Kong, washed away the humiliation suffered by the Chinese nation for a century and a half, took a step forward in the great cause of reunification of the motherland, and created a model for the peaceful settlement of disputes and historical issues in the international community. It is a major contribution made by the Chinese government to safeguarding world peace.

After the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, during the long 13-year transition period, China and the UK have conducted arduous diplomatic negotiations in many areas in order to implement the joint declaration and fulfill each other's commitments.In addition to political issues, the negotiations between China and Britain finally achieved positive results, which ensured the smooth return of Hong Kong.

Looking back at the entire process of Sino-British negotiations on the Hong Kong issue, I deeply feel that a strong motherland is the fundamental guarantee for victory in the diplomatic struggle.When talking about why the Hong Kong issue could be negotiated, Mr. Deng Xiaoping pointed out that “mainly because our country has developed in recent years, it is a prosperous and developed country, a powerful country, and a trustworthy country.” The late corruption The Qing government lost Hong Kong, and the Chinese people who reformed and opened up and rushed towards a well-off society took Hong Kong back in a peaceful way, which vividly verified Mr. Deng Xiaoping's thesis.

Mr. Deng Xiaoping also pointed out another reason for the negotiation of the Hong Kong issue

"It is the fundamental policy or strategy of'one country, two systems' that is right, and it is also the result of the joint efforts of China and Britain."

"This idea played a decisive role in resolving the Hong Kong issue, but also the most important role."

The concept of "one country, two systems" not only removes numerous obstacles in the process of Sino-British negotiations and guarantees the smooth return of Hong Kong, but also guarantees the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

(In my nearly 40 years of diplomatic career, more than 8 years were directly related to the return of Hong Kong. From 1991 to 1998, I participated in 17 rounds of negotiations between China and Britain on Hong Kong’s 1994/95 election arrangements. The Sino-British negotiations on the Hong Kong handover ceremony and the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group for a period of time after the return of Hong Kong.

This diplomatic experience is very unforgettable to me, and it also makes me full of affection for Hong Kong.I witnessed it with my own eyes) Download the free reader!!