JLG progress expected as fresh talks begin

Joint Liaison Group negotiators began a fresh round of talks in Beijing yesterday with the hope of a breakthrough on some outstanding issues.

Chinese team leader Zhao Jihua said there was reason to expect progress because Sino-British relations had improved recently.

But progress on some matters directly related to the transfer of sovereignty had been too slow, he said.

'On one hand we hope for a good result from this meeting, but on the other the mission is still very difficult.

'We hope a breakthrough can be made this time on issues that have had slow progress,' Mr Zhao said.

His UK counterpart Hugh Davies was also optimistic.