JLG talks off to 'good start'
THE first day of the latest talks between China and Britain got off to a good start yesterday, according to the British team leader of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG), Hugh Davies.
He made his comments after about five hours of talks at the JLG plenary session, but he would not give further details.
Earlier, he said China must recognise the urgency of setting up a Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong.
He added: 'The most important thing I would like to come out of the meeting is a statement from the Chinese side that they understand the time pressures and that they will genuinely work with us to achieve the establishment of the Court of Final Appeal.' The draft bill on the establishment of the court had been in the hands of the Chinese side for 11 months, he said.
Others topics to be discussed include the controversial Container Terminal 9, air service agreements, defence and public security, sewerage plans and the Budget.
Chinese team leader Zhao Jihua hoped China and Britain would 'increase co-operation, remove troubles, hasten JLG work and raise efficiency'.
The talks are expected to end on Friday.
