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.