THE British Foreign Secretary, Mr Malcolm Rifkind, yesterday wrapped up a three day visit to China that helped boost bilateral ties but failed to resolve crucial issues affecting confidence in post 1997 Hong Kong.
The hand over of the British colony to Chinese sovereignty on July 1st next year dominated Mr Rifkind's talks with Chinese leaders, but style dominated substance as the two sides remained deadlocked over Beijing's pledge to dismantle the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
Nevertheless, Mr Rifkind pronounced himself "very pleased" with the outcome of his talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Qian Qichen, the Premier, Mr Li Peng, and President Jiang Zemin.
"There is a real and genuine desire on the Chinese and British side to work together for a successful outcome that will respect Hong Kong's autonomy and the way of life of the people of Hong Kong," Mr Rifkind said, following his final meeting with Mr Jiang yesterday.
"Of course there are still some differences but I believe there is a desire on both sides to look to the future rather than back and to concentrate on narrowing any differences and, if possible, eliminate them completely."
Mr Jiang was quoted after the talks as expressing the hope that China and Britain would "strengthen co operation" in the run up to the hand over of Hong Kong.
The official Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying he hoped that existing problems could be solved "as soon as possible through consultation and dialogue.
Mr Jiang said that maintaining a good Sino British relationship was "in line with the current and long term benefits of China and Britain," Xinhua said.
But despite repeated appeal from Mr Rifkind for Beijing to reconsider its stance on dissolving the legislative council, statements from Chinese officials made it clear that London was fighting a lost cause.
"This is a closed case. The Chinese position will not change," the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Mr Chen Jian, said yesterday when questioned on the assembly issue.
For all the lip service Chinese leaders paid to the concept of autonomy and non interference in Hong Kong affairs after 1997, Beijing's intention to scrap Legco remains a serious drain on confidence in the colony a point highlighted yesterday by the Hong Kong Governor, Mr Chris Patten.
"The question is this. Is China committed to real democratisation, or is it committed to a sort of cardboard cut out version? Is it committed to a counterfeit version?" Mr Patten said in an interview with the government run RTHK radio.
Mr Patten, whose electoral reforms in Hong Kong prompted a downturn on Sino British relations three years ago and, subsequently, Beijing's vow to scrap the legislature has been effectively sidelined by Beijing in all negotiations on the 1997 hand over.
Mr Rifkind's efforts to have Mr Patten brought into the dialogue were flatly rejected.