True, different and sometimes conflicting statements from China on key transition issues do confuse and worry the Hong Kong community.
Improvement is needed here.
If Hong Kong is to grow and prosper, freedom of expression is without doubt part of the success formula. More reassurance from China in this respect will be good for confidence-building. A key issue is the fears of the Democrats and other liberal activists that they will be shut out from post-1997 politics, particularly the proposed 1998 Legislative Assembly elections. Positive clarification by China on this issue would be a forward step in the bridge-building process. Notwithstanding the considerable auto industry in Thailand, I believe the Philippines has much to offer the world's largest automaker.