British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he was confident China's top leaders and Hong Kong's chief executive Tung Chee-hwa were sincerely paying heed to Hong Kong residents' deep concerns over a controversial new security law. 

Visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) chats with Hong Kong Cheif Executive Tung Chee-hwa in Hong Kong July 23, 2003. [Reuters]

After a meeting with Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa Wednesday morning, Blair said:"I think there is a sense certainly that I have that the authorities here are very much listening to what people say and that everyone wants to move forward in a situation where we maintain the essential stability that is a crucial part of the success of Hong Kong."

"I found the Chinese leadership, when I was discussing Hong Kong with them, very much aware of the need to handle the situation sensitively and in accordance with the guarantees that have been given to the people here in Hong Kong," he said.

During the meeting, which Blair described as "a very good session of talks", Tung told Blair how Hong Kong had bounced back with resilience and vigor after containing the SARS outbreak.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives with his wife Cheri at Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok airport from Shanghai, 22 July 2003. [newsphoto.com.cn]

Both of them noted the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong over the past six years, and that despite the recent difficulties, Hong Kong had coped well.

Tung also talked about the new opportunities brought about by the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and the enhanced cooperation between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, acting Finance Secretary Stephen Ip, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Henry Tang, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Yeoh Eng-kiong and Director of the Chief Executive's Office W.K. Lam also attended the meeting.

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