Britain and China to Discuss Rules for Hong Kong Election

In a diplomatic breakthrough that could bring renewed cooperation over Hong Kong’s future, Beijing and London agreed Tuesday to open negotiations on rules for 1995 elections in the British colony.

If successful, the talks would mean that legislators elected two years from now would remain in office beyond Hong Kong’s July 1, 1997, reversion to Chinese sovereignty. Implementation of this so-called through-train concept is widely considered to be a key to preservation of political and economic stability in the transition period.

The agreement to open formal negotiations, announced simultaneously in Beijing, Hong Kong and London, came after six months of Sino-British diplomatic tension. Talks are scheduled to begin April 22 in Beijing, the official New China News Agency reported.

The dispute began when Hong Kong Gov. Chris Patten proposed reforms that would make the 1995 elections far more democratic than Beijing had expected. China responded by charging that Britain was reneging on various agreements. Pro-democracy activists in the colony in turn accused Beijing of breaking its promise to allow Hong Kong a “high degree of autonomy” after 1997.

“I think this is a victory for common sense,” Patten said in London, where he met with Foreign Office officials.

“I very much hope that we can come off at the end of the day with an agreement on proposals which are fair and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.” He predicted, however, that the negotiations “are going to be tough.”

Hong Kong Chief Secretary David Ford said Patten’s reform proposals will not be submitted to the Legislative Council for approval so long as there are prospects of reaching an agreement with China on the 1995 election rules.

Ford also said that because diplomatic talks must remain confidential, legislators will not be briefed during the negotiations.

Reaction among political leaders in Hong Kong was mixed.

Legislator Martin Lee, head of the United Democrats of Hong Kong, sharply criticized the arrangements for the talks that would keep legislators in the dark.

Legislator Allen Lee, who leads a legislative group favoring a conciliatory stance toward Beijing, predicted that negotiations will be difficult. “But ultimately I’m very hopeful that they could resolve this problem,” he said.

Times staff writer Holley reported from Beijing. Special correspondent Courtney reported from Hong Kong.