ON April 1, Communist Party General Secretary Mr Jiang Zemin conveyed the latest instructions from Mr Deng Xiaoping concerning Hongkong.
Mr Deng's instructions reflect China's strategy on Hongkong affairs - to place political interests above economic interests. Political interests refer to the implementation of ''one party rule'' in Hongkong after 1997.
The tactics of the Chinese Communist Party are to completely interfere in the internal affairs of Hongkong during the later part of the transitional period.
Governor Mr Chris Patten's reform package, to a certain extent, has been used as a ''righteous'' excuse by the Chinese Government to fight against Britain. This thinking and attitude can be seen in the latest talk by Mr Deng concerning Hongkong issues.
Mr Deng said that ''in order to guarantee the personal interests of Hongkong compatriots, to maintain the position of Hongkong as an international finance, industrial, and transportation centre, to minimise volatility and maintain stability during the transitional period, we can lose out on some things and make concessions in our dealings with the British Government. We can tolerate Britain taking advantage of Hongkong and reaping benefits, but this is not without limits. China will never give way or compromise on sovereignty and the internal administration of Hongkong, which are matters of principles.'' Mr Deng's words show China has adopted a two-prong policy and strategy towards the British Government, that is, to make concessions on the economic front while never giving way on the political front. This means China will not allow Hongkong to be democratised. On the surface, it appears the strategy is to separate economic issues from political ones but the fact is political interests are considered more important than economic interests. Political interests refer to the concept of ''one party rule'' after 1997.
Mr Deng has warned that should the British seriously violate the Joint Declaration, it will not be a matter for both governments, but one for the Chinese Government alone, and Britain should be clearly aware of this Chinese position. THIS message was conveyed by Mr Jiang on April 1 - which may be All Fools' Day but the message contained no jokes, and Mr Deng's stern words make one pessimistic about Hongkong's future.