October 23, 1996
Web posted at: 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT)
From Hong Kong Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy
HONG KONG (CNN) - Senior Chinese officials issued a blunt warning this week, saying that political demonstrations may be banned in Hong Kong when Britain gives up control of the colony next year.
"Those who are using public opinion or organizing protest rallies are interfering in China's judicial affairs, and this is not permitted."
-- Zhang Junsheng
Xinhua News Agency
The warning came in the wake of a protest Sunday against the trial of Chinese dissident Wang Dan in Beijing.
The threat is the latest in a series of tough statements from Beijing, suggesting that China intends to curb political and press freedoms, after it takes control of the British colony. Sovereignty of the colony reverts to China at midnight June 30, 1997, ending 150 years of colonial rule.
Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen sparked an uproar by declaring that China would not allow local citizens to hold an annual commemoration for the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
The warnings have prompted a strong diplomatic protest from Britain, sent after Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten arrived in London this week for regular consultations with British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind.
"We've made representations at a high level to Chinese officials, and like me, he's waiting for a response," Patten said.
The international community has also expressed concern about the future of human rights in Hong Kong.
In a statement released Wednesday, the U.N. Human Rights Committee said China should respect human rights in Hong Kong after the transition. China has refused to sign a major international human rights treaty.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
Governor defends Hong Kong democracy in final speech - October 2, 1996
Hong Kong: Fears, cheers about China's takeover - June 30, 1996
Hong Kong residents to get British visas after 1997 - March 4, 1996
http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9610/23/china.freedom/index.html
