HONGKONG's top representative in the United States, Mr Peter Lo Yat-fai, told an American audience to expect an early end to the political feud between Britain and China over greater democracy for Hongkong.
In an optimistic message, Mr Lo, Hongkong's Minister for Economics and Trade in Washington, said the two sides would, in coming months, be able to ''satisfactorily resolve'' the controversy over Governor Mr Chris Patten's proposals for democratic reforms.
The talk was sponsored by the Asia Society.
Fielding questions from businessmen, academics, and Asia experts, Mr Lo said ''occasional friction cannot be avoided'' in Hongkong's relationship with China.
But he went out of his way to sound optimistic, urging his listeners to ''look beyond the dramatic headlines'' to the underlying reality of a shared and healthy future for Hongkong and China.
''It doesn't make sense for Hongkong to go down the tube,'' Mr Lo said. Neither China nor Hongkong would benefit from a stand-off over the political reforms controversy, he added.
It was therefore pragmatic, he said, to expect a resumption of Sino-British talks on Hongkong's political programme.