Signature ceremony of the Joint Declaration,
December 19, 1984
Margaret Thatcher delivered a speech at the
ceremony.
Your Excellency Chairman Deng Xiaoping, your
Excellency President Li Xiannian, your Excellency ladies and
gentlemen:
This is a historic occasion. And I'm particularly
pleased to see that Chairman Deng Xiaoping is able to be present.
The Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong which you have
just signed on behalf of our two governments, is a landmark in the
light of the territory, in the course of Anglo-Chinese relations,
and in the history of international diplomacy The Agreement
establishes a firm basis for confidence in Hong Kong after l997 and
beyond, and for it's continued stability, prosperity and
growth.
I remember with pleasure my last visit to China in
September 1982 and my discussions with Chinese leaders. At my
meeting with Chairman Deng Xiaoping on that occasion, we agreed to
open talks on the future of Hong Kong. Our common aim was to
maintain the territory's stability and prosperity, the generous
spirit of pride and of optimism about the future that I now
return
to sign the Agreement, which is the result of these talks.
The Agreement fully meets the political
requirements of Britain and China as well as the interests of the
Hong Kong people. It provides the framework in which as a Special
Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong
will maintain it's economic system and way of life for 50 years
after the first of July, 1997.
I agree of autonomy Hong Kong people wt gives Hong
Kong a high deill administer Hong Kong and a Special Administrative
Region will pass it's own legislation. It allows Hong Kong to
continue to decide its own economic, financial and trade policies,
and to participate as appropriate in international organizations
and agreements. It preserves Hong Kong's familiar legal system and
the rights and freedoms enjoyed there. In short, it provides the
assurances for the future which Hong Kong needs in order to
continue to play its unique role in the world as a trading and
financial center.
The negotiation itself has brought our countries
closer together,It has increased our mutual understanding, respect
and trust. I am convinced that as we work together in the future,
we shall be laying the foundation for an even closer and deeper
relationship that is good for Britain, good for China and good for
the world. Above all, it is good for the people of Hong Kong. We
are privileged today to take part with our Chinese friends in the
unique occasion. The circumstances are unique, the Agreement is
unique.
It is right that we should feel a sense of history
and of confidence in the future. I thank you for the privilege of
being present of this signature ceremony.
