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Friction rising between Hong Kong's present and future leaders
December 10, 1996
Web posted at: 5:45 a.m. EST (1045 GMT)From Hong Kong Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy
HONG KONG (CNN) -- Hong Kong is at a crossroads. On Wednesday, a Chinese-appointed committee is almost certain to name a 59-year-old shipping tycoon the territory's first leader of the post-colonial era.
Billionaire Tung Chee-hwa's likely appointment will come at a time of renewed friction between Hong Kong's outgoing British colonial administration and its future political masters.
The latest quarrel centers on a British decision to introduce a bill on subversion to the current, directly elected Hong Kong legislature.
The British hope the measure will ease public fears that a Chinese-dominated assembly might enact harsh laws similar to those used to imprison political dissidents in China.
"People are afraid they would be arrested for what they would normally do, such as criticizing the government, or criticizing policies," said Hong Kong legislator Margaret Ng.
But Beijing's representatives to a Sino-British committee negotiating hand-over issues are outraged by the move to limit their future control over Hong Kong.
"Such acts will never be acceptable to the Chinese side and will never be implemented by the Chinese side," said Chinese Joint Liaison Group member Zhao Jihua.
The British took their chances with the bill in part because China plans to replace Hong Kong's elected legislature, where pro-democracy politicians form the largest party, with an appointed body.
Members of the new legislature, likely to be less hostile toward Beijing, are due to be named just before Christmas.
"Once the Provisional Legislature is set up, Beijing will control it," said Hong Kong legislator Martin Lee. "Beijing will be able to pass any laws it wants."
British-appointed Gov. Chris Patten has denounced the Provisional Legislature and threatened to withhold all cooperation. But Tung Chee-hwa has endorsed it, setting the stage for a possible confrontation with the man whom he's likely to replace.
Patten says he wants to work with his successor. But with the incoming and outgoing governors at odds over the Provisional Legislature and other key issues, Hong Kong could be in for a bumpy ride in the final months of British colonial rule.
Related stories:
- Hong Kong handover threatens Navy R&R - November 28, 1996
- Amid protest, Hong Kong moves closer to new government - November 15, 1996
- China to choose Hong Kong chief - October 28, 1996
- Hong Kong ceremony foreshadows end of an era - August 26, 1996
- Hong Kong: Fears, cheers about China's takeover - June 30, 1996
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