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Governor defends Hong Kong democracy in final speech
October 2, 1996
Web posted at: 1:00 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT)HONG KONG (CNN) -- Gov. Chris Patten delivered Hong Kong's last annual policy address by a British governor Wednesday, challenging China to maintain political and economic freedoms when it assumes control July 1.
"Hong Kong represents the kind of Asia with which both West and East are comfortable," Patten said. " ... It offers, in that sense, a vision for the future of Asia."
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In the impassioned 95-minute speech to the Legislative Council, Patten charged that such a vision was under threat because Beijing -- angered by his moves to expand representative government here -- has vowed to replace the directly elected council with an appointed one.
"Britain has made clear repeatedly to Chinese leaders that it would be wrong and damaging to scrap this council and replace it," Patten said.
He warned that Britain would "have nothing to do" with an appointed council, and said that legal challenges should be expected if China makes good on that vow.
In a similarly defiant tone, the governor set out what he called a series of benchmarks by which Hong Kong under Chinese rule would be judged. Among those markers would be freedom of the press and freedom of the people to disagree with China and Chinese policy.
In the past, Patten's policy speeches have focused on new roads, hospitals and public works projects. But in his last such address before the handover, the governor spoke for history, seeking to defend his reforms and protect his legacy as Britain's imperial presence draws to a close.
Still, Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was not entirely pleased with Patten's address. Martin Lee, leader of Hong Kong's largest party, said the British governor did not go far enough.
"It is not sufficient to defend democracy and the rule of law through words alone," Lee said. "It must be by deeds as well."
Correspondent Mike Chinoy and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Hong Kong: Fears, cheers about China's takeover - June 30, 1996
- Hong Kong residents to get British visas after 1997 - March 4, 1996
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- Hong Kong: China Insists Colony Officials Toe the Line
- China Vows To Dump Newly Elected Hong Kong Council
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