Peking rejects HK speculation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HONG KONG (Reuter) - China yesterday dismissed speculation of a compromise over the democratic reform proposals of Chris Patten, Hong Kong's Governor, vowing to reject even any watered-down package produced by the colony's legislature.
Mr Patten expressed hope this week that Peking would accept the verdict of the Legislative Council on reform later this year. His comments triggered a brief stock market rally. But a senior Chinese official repeated Peking's hard line that anything which did not conform to the Basic Law, Hong Kong's constitution after it returns to China, in 1997, was out of the question.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments