Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2010 with funding from Multicultural ; University of Libraries

http://www.archive.org/details/canadahongkongup113join s. CANADA AND UPDATE

SPRING 1990

Introducing the Research Project: Goals and Directions

traditional pattern of start-at-the- Material for the updates is by Diana Lary bottom migration. The growth provided by a number of Toronto in the size and sophistication of correspondents in Canada, the the Chinese Canadian community United States, Hong Kong, Hong Kong is becoming is also likely to have an impact and the United Kingdom. The increasingly significant for on our relations with China as project will also sponsor a series Canada. During the last decade, this group of people makes its of academic workshops, trade with China, for which voice heard; in last year's coordinated by Canadian Hong Kong is the major demonstrations over the Chinese researchers, which will produce entrepot, has increased. The student movement and the short, readable publications on desire to leave Hong Kong Peking Massacre, the Chinese specialised topics. The overall before the territory's return to Canadian community played a intention of the project is to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 has leading role. On another plane, provide objective, consistent made Canada an ever more the unprecedented return of information which may be useful important immigration millions of people to an in ensuring that Canadian destination. In 1989, 19,994 authoritarian government raises involvement with Hong Kong people landed in Canada from concerns over citizenship, human develops as smoothly and as Hong Kong, almost half the rights and legal issues in Hong beneficially as possible. people who left the territory; Kong. These will assume References to materials on all similar figures are expected for considerable importance both in aspects of the Canada-Hong the foreseeable future. Canada's light of Canada's traditional Kong relations are being long involvement and fascination concern for such issues, and the collected from many Canadian, with China has been reflected in large numbers of people here American, British and Hong the academic world by serious with close personal connections Kong sources to be stored in a study of the country and our to Hong Kong. bibliographic database in the

relationship with it. This study These issues require serious, project office. has focused on China as a objective academic study, whole, with very little attention especially in a climate which is to Hong Kong as a discrete sometimes overheated. The territory. Though the territory unfolding situation also needs to has always been predominantly be monitored regularly, in order In This Issue... Chinese, recent developments to analyse it in terms of

mean that it must now be treated Canadian interests, and to Visa Students in as a distinct entity. provide a running record of a Immigration from Hong Kong fluid situation. This is the first Immigration Statistics is having a major impact on of the project's tri-annual updates Canada. There are significant on Hong Kong and Canada, Democratization in Hong Kong settlement issues, as a large, well which will cover some topics qualified and relatively affluent (viz immigration, trade, The Basic Law Explicated group of immigrants comes in; settlement) at regular intervals, this is a change from the and others as they arise. per F1029.5 H6 C36 Immigration Statistics by Diana Lary Toronto

Over the past two years, the number of immigration applications received at the Canadian Commission in Hong Kong has risen steeply, from 15,334 in 1988 to 29,584 in 1989. The unsetUing effect of the Tiananmen Massacre in Peking on June 4th, 1989 on Hong Kong shows up clearly:

Quarter 1997 increased. Nevertheless, given CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE and Emigration in Hong Kong the present immigration Editors Diana Lory regulations of major host Stephanie Gould countries and the time required by Lau Siu-kai and Wan Po-san to process applications, the Illustration Joe Burdzy Hong Kong number of people leaving the territory in the next two or three Design Stephanie Gould The increasing exodus years is expected to be between Contributors Philip Calvert 55,000 and 60,000 a year. Ho-yin Cheung Despite the promise of the In the meantime, emigration- Harriet Clompus Chinese Government and linked investment companies and Keung-sing Ho constitutional measures designed Tan Xiaobing schemes are increasing and to maintain the existing social Chow Ying Wong creating a growing passport structure and lifestyles of Hong market for those who are Canada and Hong Kong Update is Kong under the formula "one published three desperate to get a second times a year by the country, two systems" for fifty passport but cannot meet the years after 1997, the scheduled Canada and Hong Kong Project, selection criteria of major host Joint Centre Asia Studies, return of Hong Kong to China for Pacific countries. Many second-rung Suite 200K, Administrative Studies Bldg. has driven an increasing number countries have joined in to cash York University, 4700 Keele St., of Hong Kong people to obtain a North York, Ontario, in on the capital and brain drain foreign passport or right of CANADA M3J 1P3 from the territory. Some (e.g. abode in a foreign country. Singapore and South Africa) Telephone: (416) 736-5784 From 1980 to 1986, people have eased their migration Fax: (416) 736-5687 emigrated at around 20,000 a regulations to lure capital and year. The annual outflow of professionals and skilled workers, CANADA AND HONG KONG PROJECT emigrants rose to approximately while others (e.g. Tonga and 30,000 in 1987 and 46,000 in Belize) are simply "selling" Director Diana Lary 1988. The most popular Coordinator Stephanie Gould passports. Anticipating the setup destination countries are Canada, of the common market of the the United States of America and Advisory Board Denise Chong European Economic Community Eh. Bernie Frolic Australia in 1992, the latest trend in the John Higginbolham Dr. T.G. McGee passport market is to buy Graeme McDonald property in Portugal and Spain 1987 1988 Jules Nadeau and then apply for residency. Dr. William Saywell Total 22.300 19.000 30.000 45300 Dr. Wang Gungwu Canada 7380 5.893 16.170 22.802 Australia* 4.610 4.940 6.420 9^30 The international safety net L'iA." 8.530 7.473 8.517 11,394 We want to thank the Donner Canadian

Source: Hong ' Foundation for its very generous support Kong Government task force on The rising trend to emigration 9 September 1989; Nia Uagaau. 15 1990. which has made this project possible. The Much has a potentially catastrophic Foundation's long-standing interest in 'Number of migrants residing in Australia. impact on the Canada's international relations with Asia "By March, the Hong Kong backlog amounted to prosperity and nearly 50,000 If any of the reform billi before the has enabled us to conduct research which we stability of the territory and has United Stares Congress can be legislated, the outflow consider to great be of significance for the of Hong Kong people to the States will increase become one of the major social future the country. accordingly. of concerns. On the one hand, owing to the immigration In view of Hong Kong's return policies of the host countries, the to Chinese sovereignty after majority of emigrants are either 1997, people are watching the the well-off (who are usually sociopolitical situation of the qualified to emigrate by investing mainland and the words and no less than CS 150,000 in the In the Next Issue... deeds of the Chinese political host country), or key personnel leaders closely. The June 4 in the labour force (who can Status Dislocation for Immigrants Tiananmen Square massacre, the meet the visa criteria of subsequent political crackdown independent migrants and who Interview with Author Sky Lee on the pro-democracy movement are mainly highly educated, and the tough economic austerity young, professional, technical, Torontians Responses to Tiananmen programme in China, and the managerial and administrative promulgation of the final draft of workers). In 1988, the capital the Basic Law have significantly outflow to Canada alone depressed Hong Kong people's amounted to CS2.4 billion. confidence in the territory's Degree holders made up 15% of future. The number of people the emigrants while only 3.5% of inquiring and applying for the population had this level of emigration visas has drastically

UPDATE 3 1997 and Emigration prevailing viewpoints. In the thereby constructing an From page 3 first place, a healthy economy is international safety net for Hong regarded as the key to the future Kong people should needs arise. educational attainment. Of all of Hong Kong. As a result, the In this connection, the changes employed emigrants, 33.6% were rationale adopted by the to the Singaporean immigration professional and technical lobbyists, especially the business policy made last July are a workers, 16.2% were leaders and overseas Chambers significant breakthrough. Right administrative and managerial of Commerce, is generally based of abode will be granted to workers, as compared to 7.4% on the bilateral economic / 25,000 Hong Kong skilled and 3.8% respectively of the interests between the destination workers. Successful applicants labour force was in these country and the territory. The have up to five years to relocate occupational categories. Surveys anxiety, helplessness and the in Singapore. By February, of professional associations future of the general public are 20,038 people had applied and published in the past few months deemed to be of less significance 16,691 applications have been illustrated further the seriousness than the maintenance of approved. of brain drain - e.g. 85% of the economic prosperity by retaining Yet the nationality package local members of the Royal key personnel of the labour proposed by the British Institute of Chartered Surveyors, force. In the second place, the Government to grant British 80% of the members of the major objective is to secure an passports to a selected 50,000 Hong Kong Society of exit route for insurance instead and their Accountants, and 60% of the of immediate escape. This in dependents (a total of about members of the Law Society fact coincides with the dilemma 225,000 beneficiaries) has expressed their intention to leave of Hong Kong people. On the become a matter of controversy. the territory. The accelerating one hand, people generally In Britain, it might still be outflow of emigrants not only distrust the Chinese government, rejected or substantially revised would threaten the economy, lack confidence in Hong Kong's by Parliament and repealed later increase the emigration future and are desperate for a by the Labour Party when it is propensity of those staying foreign passport. On the other in power [ihe bill has since been behind, but also would dampen hand, apart from the difficulties passed]. In Hong Kong, due to

the morale and confidence of of adaptation, it is quite common the limited quota of the package, those who do not want to or for emigrants (particularly a majority of people will still be cannot qualify to emigrate. professional, managerial and excluded from the scheme. In view of the alarming administrative workers) to Under the proposed selection problem and its negative effects experience downward social criteria, priority is to be given to on the territory, collective efforts mobility in destination countries. those who probably are qualified have been made by the Hence people generally want a to obtain other foreign passports. Government and the private passport to stay more than a Therefore, the package is likely sector (especially the business passport to leave. In a similar to be socially divisive and may leaders) to help arrest the vein, the length of residency thus intensify the confidence worsening brain drain and boost required by the immigration crisis. To the Chinese confidence in the run-up to 1997. regulations of host countries Government, the package and the For example, studies have been (called by Hong Kong people as internationalization of the Hong commissioned to examine the "emigrant imprisonment") is one Kong issue have made impact of emigration and of the major concerns in lose face. China also sees a possible strategies for retaining considering the destination of conspiracy of the British key personnel of the labour emigration. Government either to retain her force. Campaigns have been Restoring the right of abode in influence on the territory after launched to lobby foreign Britain is thus not only regarded 1997, or to destabilize the countries for granting passports by the concerned parties in Hong Special Administrative Region or right of abode for Hong Kong Kong as the moral and legal (SAR) by draining its talent. people. Emigrant businessmen responsibility of the British After the June 4 event, Chinese and professionals have been Government for all of the 3.25 officials have taken a tough encouraged to return to Hong million Hong Kong British stance on the nationality issue of

Kong after gaining the security passport holders, it is also seen Hong Kong. They oppose the of a second passport. An to be the first necessary step to plan fiercely because if an unprecedented expansion of lobby other countries to offer increasing number of foreign infrastructural development and similar "delayed action" passport passports are granted to higher education are planned. schemes (packages that do not The foci and strategies of these require the passport holder to campaigns are shaped by two relocate immediately to qualify),

4 UPDATE From page 4 seriousness that prompts the British and Chinese Governments Hong Kong people without the to take measures to deal with the requirement of residency, then problem. Nevertheless, major after 1997 Hong Kong might efforts carried out to stem brain become a place administered by drain might at best serve their people of foreign nationalities. purpose to anchor people in If these foreign passport holders Hong Kong up to or before stay in Hong Kong after 1997, 1997. Without any firm their loyalty to China will be structural assurance of the held in suspicion. If they choose autonomy of the territory and the to leave on the eve of the establishment of mutual takeover, which is very likely understanding and trust between according to the findings of China and Hong Kong (and opinion surveys, the functioning assuming that the favourite host of the territory may be countries continue to receive jeopardized. Both possible immigrants from Hong Kong), outcomes will undoubtedly be to these efforts might only delay the detriment of the interests of the problem of emigration China. In responding to the instead of solving it. / right of abode issue, the Chinese Government has imposed more nationality restrictions on key government officials and legislators of the SAR; stressed the contradiction between the package and the nationality law Immigration Stats of China (which does not recognize dual nationality, does From page 2 not recognize foreign passports obtained without residence departure for Canada. Landings in requirements, regards all Hong Canada therefore include Kong people residing in the many people who were approved territory as Chinese nationals the year before. Total landings unless they have renounced their for 1988 were 23,286, for 1989 Chinese nationality, and forbids 19,994. The decline in state employers to renounce their independent immigrants shows up Chinese nationality); and again - 8,669 of 19,994 (43.36%) emphasized the point that in 1989, as opposed to 13,739 of passports issued under the 23,286 (59%) in 1988. scheme will not be recognized by the Chinese Government. Immigrants, bv class

Besides, it is expected that one- third of the quota of the package will be allocated to civil servants, the backbone of the government bureaucracy. While the package is not accepted by the Chinese Government, a nationality and loyalty dilemma for civil servants, whose present terms of employment do not restrict them from holding foreign passports, may thus be created. By and large, the accelerating trend of emigration has affected the function and development of the territory. Yet it is its Adjusting to Life in Canada: Visa Students in Ontario by Stephanie Gould bank, is quoted in the South the first challenge for most Toronto China Morning Post, March 8, students on arrival in Canada is 1990, as saying "the low cost of to learn English well enough to "In the late 1970s and early tuition for foreign students is a qualify for university entrance. In 1980s, a large number of the major attraction [to Canada]." Hong Kong, while "primary students who studied abroad But- few students are prepared education is mostly in Chinese, returned to Hong Kong to live for what they encounter in and secondary education is and work after the completion of Canadian schools and mostly in English," students and their studies; but in recent years, universities. "Actually when I teachers have great difficulty

there are indications that more think about it, I didn't have very with the transition, writes and more are not returning, much preparation," said Evelyn Bernard Luk in The Other Hong probably out of personal or Man, a Ph.D. student at the Kong Report. The result is that family concern for 1997." Ontario Institute for Studies in in Anglo-Chinese schools, Education. "I knew very little textbooks and exams are in

Bernard Hung-kay Luk, about everything in Canada. English, but is spoken "Education" in Before you come the Canadian in the classroom, he explains. The Other Hong Kong Report, consulate arranges some sort of a Jane Sims, English as a 1989. briefing session in which you Second Language (ESL) teacher can ask questions. But actually at Sir Sandford Fleming In 1989, more of Hong Kong's you don't even know which Secondary School in North York, students chose to study abroad questions to ask." Man is Ontario, where 72 percent of than ever before and more chose determined to return to her visa students are from Hong to study in Canada than in any country to live and work, but she Kong, says that they are very other country. Last year, 5,096 doesn't know whether she will dedicated to their school work. students from Hong Kong stay after 1997. She describes "In spite of homesickness and obtained visas to study in herself as committed to the culture shock and goodness Canadian secondary and post- territory despite apprehensions knows what difficulties with the secondary institutions, an about its future. language, they work extremely

increase of 34 percent over 1988. "Be prepared for a much freer hard and the success rate is very Students from the territory now kind of atmosphere," said Man high." make up the largest group of when asked if she has any Tarn Goossen, School Trustee foreign students in Canada, with advice for students in Hong for the Toronto Board of a total of about 14,000. Like all Kong who are considering Education who came from Hong others studying in Canada on a studying in Canada. "I don't Kong 20 years ago, says visa visa, students from Hong Kong think a lot of Hong Kong students from Hong Kong also must return to their own country. students are trained to cope with do well socially in the Canadian

While they may not be choosing a very free system. I mean, if system at the secondary school to emigrate when they obtain a you're going to read a book you level. She described "one group visa, the numbers alone indicate choose your own, but only of visa students [who] took on that the approach of 1997 is within a very small range. So the Christmas party and making studying abroad an learn to take more initiative, try fundraising. They've put on attractive idea. to find things out for yourself." functions that include the whole Articles and advertisements Man describes the school system student body and have provided about educational opportunities in in Hong Kong as very "exam leadership in the school." But Canada and elsewhere abound in oriented" and academically she stressed that some students Hong Kong's and competitive, but she says in need more assistance adapting to magazines. But the most reliable many ways their academic life here. "You also hear stories place to get information on training puts students from the of kids who are so lonely they education abroad is The Hang territory at an advantage in don't know what to do with Seng Bank which provides a Canada. themselves."

non-profit Education Advisory Many students from Hong To make it easier for visa Service. The bank keeps its Kong are choosing to come to students to adapt to life in information on Canada current Canada in the transition stage Canada and our school system, by maintaining close ties with between secondary and post- Goossen would like to see more provincial trade representatives in secondary education. Even information about Canada Hong Kong and educational though Hong Kong has been a available to students and their bodies here. Ms. Corina Tsang, a British colony and most students parents before they leave the senior student counsellor at the attend Anglo-Chinese schools,

6 UPDATE territory. "People in Hong Kong Toronto Board "have been trying Citizenship Law Explained really don't know any details to figure out a way to make it about how the education system really clear" that students under by Chi-Kun Shi works here. They don't know 16 must have a guardian living Toronto that we have all these different in Canada. "One relative high schools. So, we're asking suggested that we should tie it in Hong Kong citizenship law is for a pamphlet that can explain with immigration. Back in Hong stipulated by a series of British the system better." Kong, the parents should legislation as it relates to When students arrive in accompany the children when nationality in Briush colonies. Canada, Goossen believes more they get a visa." In addition, she Under the British Nationality should be done to help them thinks guardians should be Act, 1948, all citizens of the adjust to their new life. "We're required to attend an interview United Kingdom and Colonies trying to encourage them to when the student registers at the (CUKC) are British subjects. come two weeks earlier in the school he or she will attend in They enjoy the right to enter and summer. And then we'll provide Toronto. reside in Britain in addition to them with an orientation course, Goossen says "visa students their rights as a citizen of the combined with ESL. We're tend to be neglected in the particular colony where they live looking into doing that, but we system because they don't have a as well as travelling convenience can't do it this year. We might spokesperson. They don't have within the Commonwealth. do it next year." the same rights that most CUKC may be secured by birth, Both Sims and Goossen are enjoy. All immigrants by descent from a CUKC on the concerned about some students are eventually voters, so they paternal side, by marriage, in under the age .of 16 who appear manage to have a voice. But case of women, to a male to be living in Canada without a visa students have no status." CUKC or by naturalization after guardian. Under Canadian Sims would like to help young five years of residence in the immigration regulations, students students living on their own colony. younger than 13 are not granted here, but she doesn't want to The structure of the 1948 Act visas on the grounds that they take any action that would has been maintained throughout are too young to be away from jeopardize their chances of subsequent legislation. The their families, while students continuing their studies in changes introduced by the latter under 16 must have a guardian Canada. She gives her home are largely concentrated in living here. "A lot of times, the telephone number to students. "I redefining the rights of a CUKC. people in Hong Kong will just don't think children should be The series of legislation give you a name of a relative living alone and not have an following the 1948 Act here and, really, a name only." adult's number that they can call consistently erodes a CUKC's When faced with an emergency if they have a fire." right to enter and remain in situation, social workers with the Sims would like to see more Britain. This is achieved by Toronto board have experienced students from Hong Kong able to narrowing the group of colonial difficulty reaching people named return to Canada to live and subjects who are to receive such as guardians, said Goossen. work once they have completed rights, coined by the 1971 Act as "They have had to call Hong their education. "People from the "right of abode". Kong on a number of occasions Hong Kong are leaving not The most recent legislation is to find the parents to tell them because they want to come to the 1981 Act. It devised three what's happening." Canada, but because they are types of citizenship; British She says another problem is leaving a bad situation. A lot of citizen, British Dependent that the social worker responsible immigrants leave against their Territories Citizens (BDTC) and for visa students is only on a ten will; certainly no refugee ever British Overseas Citizens. month contract "It's not easy wants to come. But once the British Citizens enjoy the right for them [students from Hong students are here, they would of abode in Britain, BDTCs do Kong] to make friends outside love to come back. I have any not. the school situation. So, they number of students who would Most Hong Kong people fall get very lonely. And a lot of love to come to Canada, but within the BDTC category. them live in rooming houses, unless their family has money BDTC may be conferred upon contrary to all that myth about [they are unable to return] which Hong Kong people by birth, rich Hong Kong students. And strikes me as very unfortunate adoption, registration in case of then when the summer comes, because once we've educated minor children of naturalized it's even worse. They can't them in Canada it seems a BDTC parents, marriage in case

work. And I don't think many shame to loose them." of them can really manage to go back to Hong Kong to visit. So CITIZENSHIP - page 8 they're here!" She and other members of the

UPDATE 7 Citizenship "Between the Cracks of From page 7 when they arrive. This often Contradiction..." means transplanting their lifestyle of alien women and by descent from Hong Kong to Toronto. It by Chow Ying Wong BDTC may also be secured also includes spending most of Toronto through naturalization, after their savings on an automobile residency of five years in Hong and the down payment on a An article titled "Between the Kong and fulfilment of other house. By obligating themselves cracks of contradiction: where qualifications such as command to a huge mortgage, many do the new immigrants from of the English language. immigrants are prone to family Hong Kong fit?" was published Most significantly, BDTCs are crises and other problems of in the Modern Times Weekly on thrust upon existing CUKCs who adjustment. Finally, the author March 30, 1990. The author, Su do not hold the "right of abode" suggests a more flexible financial Guannan, attributes adjustment under the 1971 Act Under the policy for new immigrants. problems of recent immigrants to 1971 Act, only CUKCs who The 'vacuum' in the value (i) a lack of accurate were bom, adopted, registered or system Su Guannan refers to is information; (ii) the 'safety net' naturalized in Britain have the an important element in the mentality and, most importantly, "right of abode". Such rights process of cultural adjustment. (iii) a 'vacuum' in the value were also allowed to people who Dissonance is created when the system -- one which is created qualify due to complicated cultural values of newcomers and when Hong Kong culture meets ancestral link to Britain or, in the host society are not mutually Canadian culture. the case of alien women, through accepted. More than one The author contends that marriage. While the 1971 Act 'vacuum' may exist for recent although prospective immigrants stripped all the Hong Kong Hong Kong immigrants. Not can get information about originated CUKCs of their right only do they have to adapt to Canada from the Canadian to reside in Britain, the 1981 Act the 'mainstream' society, they Commission, most readily took the further step of lumping have to be accepted by the local available information doesn't them into a separate category Chinese community as well. address social problems and from the other CUKCs who are The author describes recent Hong pressures existing in the host assimilated into the "British Kong immigrants as unwilling to society. As a result, many are Citizen" category. The travelling adjust to the new society. shocked, or feel they are "being convenience enjoyed by CUKCs Rather than adapting to that of cheated" when they come to within the Commonwealth is the host society, they My to bring Toronto. subject to the discretion of the their lifestyle to Toronto, to With the approach of 1997, individual countries. For change the environment by emigration has almost become a example, BDTCs cannot enter making it similar to the one they fad in Hong Kong. However, Britain without a visa. have left behind. many people treat the experience Most people in Hong Kong The comment, although not a of migration as "moving, touring, today hold the BDTC. However, representative one, sounds similar having a vacation, or visiting there are some who do not to the saying about the relatives," without realizing its qualify for it; they are then "unassimalatable Asian" in the impact on themselves and stateless. The travelling early part of the century. It possibly the lives of their next document they hold is the reflects a certain degree of few generations. Certificate of Identity issued conservatism in the Chinese Like other newcomers to this pursuant to the community toward newcomers. country, immigrants from Hong Convention Relating to the Status The image of recent Hong Kong Kong experience unemployment of Stateless Persons. immigrants as a bunch of well- and underemployment. Su Finally, there are a growing off yuppies and conspicuous Guannan argues that this is number of Hong Kong people consumers is popular not only in critical to the settlement process who hold foreign citizenship. To the dominant society, but among only when downward mobility is the extent that it is not repugnant some members of the local related to the value system the to the foreign citizenship law, Chinese community, who try to immigrants bring with them. they may hold such citizenship recall the hard times they had Hong Kong is highly in conjunction with their BDTC. when they first settled in materialistic and competitive. Canada. Hence, it is important Status, and therefore happiness, to bear in mind that the issue is determined by the isn't limited to seulement in the accumulation of assets. Many mainstream society, but also into recent immigrants try to re- one's ethnic community as well. establish their status in Canada

8 UPDATE Chinese-Canadians Split Over Commemoration of Massacre Victims Duan Jin, the departing Chinese Intra + inter- International by Tan Xiaobing Consul-General in , provincial Vancouver reportedly said that to 1967-71 176,810 71,760 commemorate the deaths in the 1972-66 122,475 74,830 A battle over whether a plaque June 4th incident was to 1977-81 145,660 61,250 should be mounted to recognize commemorate the counter- 1982-6 135,235 50,190 China's continuing struggle for revolutionary ruffians, and, thus, democracy and to commemorate was to intervene in China's The pressure on Vancouver those killed in Beijing last June internal affairs. However, a housing has more to do with disrupted Vancouver's Qing person using the name of a demographic characteristics of Ming, a festival for Chinese to "UBC student from Mainland the local population (the baby pay tribute to departed ancestors, China," argued that Dr. Sun Yat- boom, decline in household size) relatives and friends, this year on Sen was a Chinese political than to movement into the area April 5th./ leader, and to use his name for a from abroad. As for the famous Last August, The Vancouver plaque in Vancouver could also "monster homes," immigrants Society in Support of Democratic be considered an act to were less likely to occupy larger Movement proposed that a "intervene in China's internal homes (9+ rooms) than local replica of the Goddess of affairs". He suggested the park's purchasers; 73% of such homes Democracy, the statue that was name should be changed. occupied during the 1981-6 erected in Tiananmen Square, be Although Qing Ming has come period were taken up by people built in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and gone for this year, the moving within the Vancouver Garden. But the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen debate over whether to area. The report does not Garden Society refused to commemorate the deaths in distinguish between origins of provide space, for it was Beijing continues. The immigrants, nor does it cover the reluctant to become part of "a Vancouver Society in Support of period since 1986 when the issue political forum." This year, the Democratic Movement will of housing has surfaced - Vancouver Society in Support of organize activities in May and statistics for that period will not Democratic Movement applied to June to mark the one year be available until the next census the Vancouver Parks Board to anniversary of the events in in 1991. place a plaque in the city-run Beijing. A more recent Laurier Institute Sun Yat-sen Park, adjacent to the report, The Housing Crisis: The Garden. Effects of Local Government The Chinese Benevolent Regulation, W.T. Stanbury and Association, which has a John Todd, (January, 1990) membership of more than 50 suggests that the situation has Immigration's Impact on Chinese organizations, apposed changed since 1986. placing the plaque in the garden, Vancouver Housing Immigration has risen; in the saying that the events in Beijing two and a half years from 1987 in June were an internal affair of by Diana Lary to June, 1989, 42,476 immigrants China, and overseas Chinese, no Toronto arrived in Vancouver, longer being Chinese nationals, proportionally a much higher should not get involved. One frequently expressed number than for the previous During a heated debate in a concern in Vancouver is that five year period. 10,897 were City Council committee room on immigrants from Asia, notably from Hong Kong, a slightly Wednesday, March 21, the Hong Kong, have driven up higher proportion than the 8,178 Council's Race Relations house prices. A report published (of 49,775)* who came in the in 1989 the Laurier Institute, Committee recommended that the by period 1982-6 (p. 103). The new Vancouver Parks Board establish When did you move to immigrant group has included a subcommittee, including one Vancouver?, by Gregory significant numbers of people member of the Race Relations Schwann, suggests a different wanting to live in and able to picture. Using a series of afford large homes. Committee, to examine the issue / vty 6 federal government statistics for further. This report provides a After the debate, as the 1971, 1976, 1981 and 1986, the considerable amount of statistical controversy spread within the report shows that international and anecdotal information which Chinese community, some immigration to Vancouver indicates that monster homes declined from 1976 to 1986, and organizations took sides. have come to be seen as a inter-provincial Individuals also expressed their that intra- and serious problem to many migration into Vancouver far opinions by writing to Chinese Vancouverites over the last few migration. newspapers and calling the exceeded international "Voice of Overseas Chinese", a HOUSING page 13 Chinese-language radio station.

UPDATE 9 Information on Canada succeed in gaining an immigrant person, communication, by Diana Lary visa know not to apply. In conscience, creativity, marriage, Toronto 1989, formal applications access to the law (Articles 27- received from Hong Kong people 35, 37), and of rights of property The Hong Kong emigration (29,584) were less than double and social benefits (Articles 6, climate has spawned a migration the number of pre-application 36). These grand, lofty industry, which involves questionnaires filled out (45,229). guarantees are matched by immigration consultants, lawyers, This contrasted with the previous stipulations that military forces real estate agents, investment year in which 42,052 PAQs were of the Central People's councillors, employment filled out for 15,334 formal Government will be stationed in 3 agencies, and household movers. applications. The pass rates in Hong Kong (Article 14), that the The industry also provides both years for those making Region will enact laws to information to let people know formal applications were high - prohibit "any act of treason, what they can expect from 77.3% for 1988, and 74.4% for secession, sedition, subversion emigration. 1989/ This high success rate against the Central People's

Canada is particularly well can be ascribed partly to good Government (Article 23), and known in Hong Kong. There are advice from Commission staff, that the powers of interpretation regular columns on and partly to the fact that would- and amendment of the Basic Canada, such as "Words from be immigrants to Canada are Law are vested with the National the Maple Woods" (Singtao well-informed of their chances of People's Congress in Peking Daily). There are numerous success. Immigration (Articles 158 and 159). publications, in the vein of the publications must take some The response to the adoption late 19th century publications credit for getting the information of the Basic Law in Hong Kong which circulated in Europe, and out was muted. Its contents were extolled the virtues of countries, already widely known, and most Guide to Canadian Immigration to "sell" emigration to potential (1) of the articles which aroused (Jianada yimin zhinan), CEMA (Hong tend vague particular concern had already migrants. They to be Kong and Toronto), 1989. and general, and to offer some received wide-spread coverage in quite dubious means of getting (2) Handbook for Immigrants to Canada the local press. The only (Jiannada yimin shouce), Xiong Dezhang abroad. But in Hong Kong now elements of some novelty were (Kowloon), 1989. emigration is a serious business, the new regional flag, "a red flag and much of the information (3) Immigrant Applications Received with a bauhinia flower presented is serious and accurate. (Post and CLPR Hong Kong), DepL of highlighted by five star-tipped Employment and Immigration, March, General emigration publications stamens" (Article 10), and the 1990 focus on all possible destinations; stipulation, reiterated in many they include a monthly (4) Pass Rates (Post and CLPR Hong / articles, that the chief executive, periodical, The Emigrant. Others Kong), ibid. / the members of the Executive deal with one country only; at a Council, the principal executive local bookstall in Causeway Bay The Basic Law officials, 80% of the members of in January, 1990, ten the Legislative Council, the Chief introductions in Justice of the of Final to Canada The Basic Law (of the Hong Court Chinese were on sale. Some, Kong Special Administrative Appeal and the Chief Judge of such as the Guide to Canadian Region of the People's Republic the , and most senior Immigration (which has public servants are to gone of China), in effect the be through five editions since "Chinese citizens are 1987) constitution for Hong Kong after who are detailed instructions on permanent July, 1997, was adopted on April residents of the immigrant eligibility and Region without right of 4th, 1990 by the Seventh abode application procedures.' Others, National People's Congress in any foreign country" such as the (Articles 44, 61, 67, 101). Handbook for meeting in Peking. The Law's 55, Immigrants to Canada, are most important stipulations are There was little show of general introductions to every enthusiasm for the Law. In a that "the socialist system and aspect of Canadian life, from the climate of continuing mistrust of policies shall not be practised in government taxation systems the authorities, the and the Hong Kong Special Peking to sites interest, all condensed contents the were less of Administrative Region, and the of Law 2 into just over a hundred pages. significant than the fact that previous capitalist system and The amount of detailed public confidence in its intention way of life shall remain information available means that or ability to protect the present unchanged for 50 years (Article would-be immigrants tend to be way of life in Hong Kong is 5); there are specific guarantees well informed before they limited. make of the continuation of a wide very an enquiry the at Canadian range of freedoms such as Commission. unlikely Those to speech, the press, publication, the

10 UPDATE Democratization In Hong Kong limits to democratization in Hong by Sonny Lo resources effectively by Kong. First and foremost, PRC Hong Kong decentralizing the administration. officials, who have been alarmed Moreover, the colonial authorities by the activities of some Since the military crackdown perceived an urgent need to to give financial on student demonstrators in the strengthen their rule. The 1970s support to mainland Chinese People's Republic of China saw the rise of numerous interest protestors in June 1989, use the (PRC) on 4 June 1989, groups formed by such middle- to limit democratization has become the class intellectuals as social the scope and decelerate the pace most controversial issue in Hong workers and students, who of electoral reform in the Kong's political development. protested the government and territory before and after 1997.

Democratization refers to the who urged it to combat After 1997, the power of China's process of allowing citizens to corruption. In order to curb National People's Congress will exercise civil or political rights protests and to minimize the probably override that of the bill which they have never enjoyed influence of these interest of rights in Hong Kong. before. It may be a long groups, the government Second, the disunity among process with a transitional period channelled citizen participation Hongkongers is an obstacle to of at least one generation. into such institutions as District democratization. While some Prior to 1982, the colonial Boards. pro-Beijing capitalists and administrators in Hong Kong After the Sino-British middle-class liberals are at refrained from democratizing the agreement on Hong Kong was loggerheads concerning the pace political system. Although the initialled in 1984, and scope of electoral reform, British Colonial Office supported democratization is no longer an the middle class has also been electoral reform in the territory occasional phenomenon and split into pro-China and pro- after World War II, the Governor becomes a British policy towards democracy camps. Under these Sir Mark Young felt that Hong Kong. Originally, the circumstances, PRC officials find membership of the law-making Hong Kong government in 1984 it easy to prevent half of Legco body, the Legislative Council intended to introduce some members from being directly (Legco), should be confined to Legco seats directly elected by elected by citizens before 1997.

British subjects and that only citizens in 1988. Because of the Third, Britain is still reluctant to British should be entitled to vote. opposition from China, the accelerate political reform in Governor Young's successor, Sir colonial policy-makers in 1987 Hong Kong at the expense of Alexander Grantham, feared that abandoned such electoral reform. jeopardizing the friendly Sino- democratization could provide an In fact, the colonial admini- Bntish relations. Finally, as a opportunity for the Chinese strators, the local capitalists and large number of middle-class Communist Party to influence the PRC officials formed a triple Hongkongers continue to . It was alliance that opposed the emigrate, middle -class liberals not until the 1970s that the introduction of direct elections to who formed such new mini- Governor Sir Murray LacLehose ^ the Legco in 1988. political parties as the appointed some members at the In the wake of the June 4 Democratic Association and the grassroots level such as workers incident in China, British policy- United Democratic Party will to the Legco. makers decided to introduce a lack a strong foundation to Democratization of the colonial bill of human rights in Hong influence the direction of polity has taken place since 1982 Kong and to increase the number electoral reform. The June 4 when District Board elections of legislators elected directly incident exacerbates the mutual were held. District Boards were through geographical distrust between China and the advisory bodies with members constituencies in 1991. These Hong Kong people, delegitimizes elected by citizens and appointed decisions were due to Britain's the Basic Law, and convinces by the government to discuss desire to curb the anti-British many Honglcongers that it is district affairs such as repairing sentiment in Hong Kong using necessary to adopt an insurance roads and building traffic lights. democratization in exchange for policy through emigration. The The introduction of District the refusal to grant the right of prospect of democratization in Board elections can be jegarded abode in the United Kingdom to Hong Kong depends not only on as a purposive adaptation to 3.25 million Hong Kong British China, but also on most Hong changing circumstances. In the subjects, and to respond to the Kong people whose refugee or late 1970s, a large number of domestic criticism from the escapist mentality will inevitably citizens moved to reside in new Labour Party, the Social and weaken the democracy movement towns, a demographic change Liberal Democratic Party and the in the future Special that called for the government to media. Administrative Region. meet the basic needs of the However, there are several migrants and to allocate

UPDATE 11 Citizenship Bill Sparks Controversy In Britain passport will inevitably come to categories that it would welcome. by Harriet Clompus Britain in 1997, thus making a These were 6,000 Indians who Leeds nonsense of the government's could become stateless after claim that the purpose of the 1997, a similar number of British In mid-April, the British plan is to anchor people in Hong intelligence staff, and a few parliament voted in favour of a Kong?" hundred war widows. controverial bill to grant full The bill has received The Guardian noted that "Many citizenship to up to 225,000 vociferous criticism within the MPs believe the Party has (50,000 key workers and their British government and the Tory ducked the issue of larger, dependents) Hong Kong party. A group of 30 or 40 potentially unpopular classes of residents, despite rebellion in the right wing dissidents led by refugee." governing Conservative Party's Norman Tebbit, former Perhaps the last word on what ranks. In reaction, the Chinese Conservative party Chairman, Peter Jenkins, a columnist in The Foreign Ministry stressed that the says the cabinet has been swayed Independent has dubbed "The British Government has no right by the Foreign Office and that Prejudicial Numbers Game" to "setUe unilaterally the Prime Minister Margaret should go to a British born nationality status of Chinese Thatcher should be rescued from Chinese who said in a Guardian citizens of Hong Kong." the error of her ways. article titled "Passport to the big When the British government, Conservative MP Tony Marlow money", "Britain has lost a big under pressure from Hong Kong, said "We have a multi-cultural, chance. All the Big Money that proposed the bill in December multi-racial society that no-one has been moving out of Hong 1989, the Foreign Minister, Mr. has debated or requested. Now Kong in the last few years has Douglas Hurd, stressed that the the government has gaily decided gone elsewhere. And even now, bill was to be an "insurance to invite another quarter of a instead of encouraging it, the policy" giving right of abode to million in." British government has been professionals. It was argued that Some centre and left Tory discouraging them and making

it would stem the "brain drain" dissidents argue that the bill is them feel like beggars." and ensure Hong Kong's smooth elitist and not likely to restore running and stability. confidence, or unfair in light of The 50,000 plus dependents the long queue of people from The British Nationality Bill was the maximum the the Indian Subcontinent waiting government judged would be to join relatives in Britain and by Ho-yin Cheung acceptable at home and the who must go through the and Keung-sing Ho they thought Hong processes of the 1981 Nationality minimum Hong Kong Kong would accept. On his Act to be admitted. In late return from Hong Kong in mid- February a three strong The details of The British January, Mr. Hurd said "We Conservative MP delegation went Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill, have tried to strike a balance, to Mrs. Thatcher to tell her of a published on Wednesday, 4th which is disappointing to almost letter signed by over 80 April 1990, were announced in everyone in Hong Kong, but we Conservative MPs saying that Hong Kong by the Director of believe it is a reasonable they would not support the Administration, Mr. Donald balance.", I\u government in this Bill. Even Tsang Yam-kuen. This passport V The government of mainland more Tories had privately scheme was devised to relieve China called the proposal "a expressed their opposition to it. Hong Kong's confidence crisis gross violation" of the Joint Many wanted the Nationality Bill and curb the "brain drain" by Declaration. On the 18th of of 1981, which provides for granting British Citizenship to January, Minister Lu Ping in discretionary Entry Certificates 50,000 heads of families and Canton said consular protection without full citizenship, to apply their dependents in the run up to would be withdrawn from the to the Hong Kong citizens. All 1997. Mr. Tsang said the whole holders of such passports after wanted the Bill to be debated process was designed to ensure 1997, and moreover that such clause by clause in the House of that all the applicants will be people could only hold up to Commons rather than by treated fairly. 15% of top civil service and Committee. The quota of 50,000 will be governmental positions in Hong The Bill also faced opposition divided into four sections: Kong. Gerald Kaufman, the from the Labour Party. Gerald General Allocation; Key shadow foreign minister asked Kaufman, the shadow foreign Entrepreneurs; people in Mr. Hurd in session, "Does this secretary, described the plan as disciplined services such as the statement on behalf of the "elitist, unfair and impractical." police force and prison guards; Chinese Government not mean On 21st of January it was people in intelligence, all of that if the British plan is reported in The Guardian that NATIONALITY page 15 enacted, everyone awarded a Labour had identified three

12 UPDATE Canada - Hong Kong Trade and Investment Overview the Territory has also grown. excerpts from "Hong Kong," regarding post- 1997 arrangements Since 1985, the estimated External Affairs and International when the Territory will become a population of Canadian citizens Trade, . Special Administrative Region of in Hong Kong has increased the PRC. Since then, the British from 18,000 to over 35,000. In 1989, Hong Kong was Government has sought The tens of thousands of Canada's 12th (16th in 1987) international support to promote Canadian citizens of Hong Kong largest market while Canada was confidence in the future of Hong origin who travel back and forth Hong Kong's 6th largest Kong after 1997. between Canada and the territory customer. Two-way trade with The framework of Hong Kong are building bridges between the Hong Kong increased slightly after 1997 has been determined two societies and contributing to (2.5%) in 1989 to reach S2.2 by the Sino-British Joint the prosperity of both Canada billion. Canada completed 1989 Declaration, and by the Basic and Hong Kong. with a merchandise trade deficit Law (BL), the constitution for Canadian officials visited with Hong Kong of SI 11.8 the Territory which was London, Hong Kong and Beijing million, 25% less than that promulgated by the National in February to express concerns registered for 1988. Canadian Peoples Congress in March 1990. about the lack of confidence in exports have increased from The Basic Law grants Hong Kong's future as a cause S10O4.3 million to $1049.9 considerable autonomy in of increased interest in million (up by 4.5%), while economic trade, cultural and emigrating. As a result of the Hong Kong domestic exports to political affairs for 50 years after frank and positive discussions, Canada increased by 0.6% from 1997 and outlines procedures for mutually a series of confidence $1153.4 million to $1160.7 a system to govern the Territory. building measures will be million. While there is dissatisfaction implemented.

For 1989, exports of valued at with the final version of the BL TABLES - page 14 precious metals and gold Maple which slows the democratization Leaf coins ($590 million) process in the Territory and represented 56% of Canadian limits the participation, in elected Housing exports to Hong Kong and positions, of citizens with dual or From page 9 accounted for much of the foreign nationality, there is

increased trade. Other major appreciation that the framework years, and that an association is items were spcl confidential of post- 1997 Hong Kong is now made between them and transactions ($106.3 million), more clearly defined. immigrants from Asia. The paperboard (S47 million), report analyses the anxieties, aluminum (S44 million), and Bilateral Relations misconceptions and fears plastics and plastic articles ($40 involved in the reaction to

million). Bilateral relations between monster homes; its conclusion is Hong Kong is an important Canada and Hong Kong are very that the fundamental problems source of investment for Canada, good. Canada is perceived as a are the weakness of Vancouver's with a significant potential for friend of the Territory and planning system, and the growth. In 1989, the total flow supportive of efforts to re- reluctance of some people to of investment from Hong Kong establish confidence in Hong accept change. Its most

to foreign countries was Kong's future. This was important indirect revelation is estimated a $12 billion. That reinforced by the Prime that solid data is very hard to Canadian share is estimated to Minister's statements and actions come by, and that in a situation represent 20 percent or $2.4 at the 1989 Commonwealth marked by heightened sensitivity billion. The value of the Heads of Government Meeting on one jide (opposed to estimated outflow of capital from and through the Secretary of "neighbourhood change") and Hong Kong in 1990 is $20 State for External Affairs' insensitivity on the other billion. Of this amount, one-half meeting with representatives of (builders of monster homes) the is considered portfolio the Hong Kong Executive and solutions will lie in attempts at investment. Legislative Councils at the mutual understanding and CHOGM. reconciliation. Domestic Political Situation For the past three years, Hong Kong has been Canada's •this report uses statistics from the BC Ministry of Finance and Corporate Tiananmen violence in principle source of immigrants The Relations which differ slightly from those China resulted in an accelerated (approximately 19,950 in 1989). of the Department of Employment and loss of confidence by the This trend is expected to Immigration used by the first report. residents of Hong Kong continue. Canadian interest in

UPDATE 13 see Overview page 13 Hong Kong Trade

January-December thousands of Canadian Dollars

Imports

HS Description 1988

62 Clothing, not knitted 203 61 Clothing, knitted 85 Electrical Equipment 84 Mechanical Equipment 91 Clocks, watches and parts 95 Toys, games, sports equipment 71 Pearls, precious stones, metals 52 Cotton 90 Optical precision equipment 39 Plastics and plastic goods

All categories (HS 1-99)

HS Description

71 Pearls, precious stones, metals 99 Spcl, confidential transactions 85 Electrical Equipment 48 Paper and Paperboard 76 Aluminum and aluminum products 39 Plastics and plastic articles 84 Mechanical Equipment 12 Oil Seeds 55 Man-made staple fibres 47 Wood Pulp

All categories (HS 1-99)

Two Way Trade

Bilateral Balance Nationality HONG KONG-CHINA capital which could be better From page 12 TRADE AND COMMERCE used in direct investment in Hong Kong's air and port whom are in especially sensitive facilities, they argued. In a by Philip Calvert positions. About 13% of the meeting with Hong Kong Seattle quota will be granted later to governor David Wilson, Chinese those who hold important Premier Li Peng stated that Attention in this quarter positions and those who failed in projects in the latter sectors focused on the economic the first attempt. already initiated by Hong Kong implications of the Basic Law The General Allocation should not expect Beijing's help and decisions about the structure section will account for 36,200; after 1997 and should not be of the Hong Kong government approximately 72% of a total funded by the Land Fund set up after 1997: the expansion of J 500 (i.e. 1%) will be allocated to for the government of the Hong China's presence in Hong - the important entrepreneurs; Kong SAR after 1997.// Kong's economic infrastructure; 7,000 (u^ 14%) to the At the same time, Beijing has attempts in Beijing to deal with Disciplined Service group; and been sending some mixed foreign investment in China; 6,300 (approximately 13%) to the messages regarding Hong Kong policy statements from Beijing Sensitive Service group. Only investment in China. While the on the Special Economic Zones the British (Hong Kong) Passport Bank of China reaffirmed its (SEZs) which have implications holders and those who have interest in easing access to loans for Hong Kong both as a future naturalised before the legislation for foreign-funded enterprises, Special Administrative Region is enacted (predicted for late particularly those in energy or (SAR) of China and a strong summer), will be eligible to export industries, and the State presence in other SEZs. apply. Planning Commission announced point scoring system, In the first three months of In the that it would further encourage 1990, through its state-run the highest score is 800. There the growth of export industries corporations, China increased its are seven factors to be (particularly textiles and light in the system: age, presence in Hong Kong's airline considered industry), it was also reported and telecommunications sectors. experience, education and that China was about to put firm In January, China International training, special circumstances, controls on foreign-funded, low- Trust and Investment Corporation proficiency in English, British technology export industries such (CITIC), which already holds links and public/community as the Hong Kong financed 12.5 percent of shares in Cathay service. Age is considered the textile industries which have Pacific, announced that it would most important factor and 200 sprung up in the SEA's. Other purchase Hong Kong's points will be given to applicants reports indicated that foreign Dragonair. In late February, in a between 30 and 40 years old. investors faced increased deal financed with loans from 19 Fewer points will be awarded to bureaucratic obstructionism with international banks, CrTIC applicants younger than 30 or the new, more centralised announced the purchase of 20 over 40. A maximum of 150 economic policies. It appears, percent of the shares of Hong points (or 50 points each) will too, that , General Kong Telecom. It was rumoured be allocated for working Secretary of the Chinese that there would also be a experience, education and Communist Party, is directing similar expansion into the power training. more central government capital sector. While speculation Under the General Allocation toward projects in Shanghai (his abounded that CITIC was about section, sub quotas are planned power base) at the expense of to purchase an interest in China for job allocations including Guangdong which had benefitted Light and Power (a player in the business and management from its ties with Jiang's Daya Bay nuclear project), the 19,703; accountants 1,615; predecessor , and territory, which relies on engineers 3,230; information which, because of it proximity, Guangdong for much of its water service 1,938; medical and ,/ has been the target of the bulk supply, signed a long-term science 2,584; legal service 323; of Hong Kong trade and agreement with the Guangdong and education 2,907. investment. provincial government. The director of immigration Trade with Hong Kong was Some observers expressed will be responsible for codifying the subject of several statements apprehension about this growth applications and a steering in china, including the unrealistic of China's presence in some key committee chaired by the Chief proposal that a strategy be infrastructure sectors in Hong Secretary, Sir David Ford, will developed in which each of recommend applicants with the Kong and raised concerns about the outflow of capital for the highest scores to the Governor TRADE - page 16 who will make the final decision loan supporting CITIC in the - on the granting of applications. Hong Kong Telecom deal

UPDATE 15 TRADE AND COMMERCE Guangdong. Hong Kong "bourgeois liberalisation". From page 15 exporters, however, may feel Official Chinese interpretations threatened by the attempts by the of this indicated that Beijing China's coastal regions target a Mayor of , an SEZ, to would continue to support the particular regional export market, have Beijing lift the customs more liberal policies of the with the Guangdong area being wall with Hong Kong and allow SEZs. In light of the several focused on Hong Kong and for exports to the rest of the indications from Beijing that the Southeast Asia. Year end country through Shenzhen. This prosperity of Hong Kong — both reports showed a 12 percent was raised at a February before and after 1997 ~ is increase in Hong Kong exports conference on SEZs at which Li essential to China, Beijing's to China and a 25 percent Peng called for increased use of treatment of these regions no increase in re-exports in 1989, market forces in these regions, doubt is being closely monitored coupled with a decline in Hong while at the same time by the residents of China's Kong's proportion of the total admonishing them to maintain a future Special Administrative foreign investment in politically correct altitude toward Region.

NEW BOOKS The Ethos of the Hong Kong Chinese Hong Kong Voices The Basic Law of the Special by Lau Siu-kai & Kuan Hsian-chi edited by Gerd Balke Administrative Region of the People's The Chinese University Press, 1988 Longman Republic of China, by the Consultative Committee for the Hong Kong Countdown Kowtow! Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special by George Hicks by William Shawcross Administrative Region of the People's Writer's & Publisher's Cooperative Chatto Counterblasts Republic of China, April, 1990. Hong Kong Epilogue to an Empire Mouldering Pearl by Jan Morris by Felix Patrikeef China Tide Viking-Penguin. 1988 George Philip Ltd., 1989 by Margaret Cannon Harper & Collins, 1989 The Hong Kong Money The Other Hong Kong Report by Tom Fennell & John Demont by Bernard Luk City on the Rocks: Key Porter 1990 The Chinese University Press, 1989 Hong Kong's Uncertain Future by Kevin Rafferty Douglas & Mclntyre, 1989

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CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

FALL 1990 Hong Kong Governor Received as by Canada

on External Affairs and International by Diana Lary Trade and the Right Honourable Joe Toronto Clark, Secretary of State for External Affairs. At a dinner the same evening During his three day visit to given by Clark, the stress was on the Ottawa and Toronto at the end of length and warmth of the relationship May, Sir David Wilson was received between Hong Kong and Canada. as a head of state, though, as governor There were a number of Canadian of the one of the last remaining Hong Kong veterans at the dinner, and colonies, he might have been received both Clark and Wilson made at a lower level. This was the first prominent mention of Canada's help in official visit by a Hong Kong governor defending Hong Kong during the 1941 to Canada. Lady Wilson did not Japanese invasion, in which many accompany her husband because of the Canadians lost their lives. sudden and sad death of her father. Canada's warm and serious Sir David's visit to Vancouver reception of the Governor gave the International Airport scheduled for message that all Hong Kong issues are to Canada, or the encouragement of May 25th was cancelled to enable him taken seriously, and Canada is willing return migration after immigrants have to attend the funeral. to assist, where possible, in their acquired Canadian citizenship. But, On the day of his arrival. Sir successful resolution. There were no there was a sense that Canada is one David met with the Prime Minister formal promises of specific action to of the few countries to show , Mr. Marchand, Under deal with issues over which Canada understanding for Hong Kong's Secretary of State for External Affairs, might help, such as Vietnamese difficult situation. members of the Standing Committee refugees, granting of delayed visas to CLARK'S ADDRESS - next page Hong Kong citizens planning to move

In This Issue... Crisis in the Gulf Jordan from Iraq, travelling on a Temporary Dual Citizenship? document issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait which stated that Immigration Statistics 6 by Diana Lary he was a Chinese national. Mr. Lam his request after it became clear Status Dislocation 8 Toronto made that, as a British national, he would not be allowed to leave Iraq. A French Courses in H.K. 9 A strange twist has been added to people the vexed issue of nationality and dual number of other Hong Kong subsequently took the same path to Return Migration 10 nationality for people with Hong Kong leave Iraq Kuwait. passports by the crisis in the Gulf. and On August 15th, Zhou Nan, H.K. in Canada-China Trade 12 The issue is being followed closely in China's chief representative in Hong Canada because in future it may affect Kong, made a public statement that Expo '86 Site 13 many Canadian citizens. On August offer assistance to any 13th, Albert Lam, who holds a Hong China would Hong Kong people, or "Chinese B.C. Author Sky Lee 14 Kong (British Dependent Territories compatriots," who were stranded in the Citizen [BDTC]) passport, arrived in GULF CRISIS - next page per F1029.5 H6 C36 From page one But our relationship goes well beyond the ties of trade and investment. An Up to Date Rt. Hon. 's Address important bridge between us has been the flow of people. From modest 19th NEWS IN BRIEF Governor, Ladies and Gentlemen, century beginnings, emigration to Canada has expanded dramatically.

"The Bauhinia blakeana (Hong It is a great honour and a distinct One in seven new immigrants to Kong Orchid Tree) was discovered pleasure for me to be able to welcome Canada now comes from Hong Kong. in 1908 at Pok Fu Lam and was you to Ottawa. Yours is an historic Hong Kong is our largest single named after former governor Sir visit, the first by a Governor of Hong source of new citizens. Hundreds of Henry Blake. It is among the finest Kong to Canada. Your visit provides thousands of Canadians of Hong Kong of the Bauhinia genus anywhere in an opportunity to celebrate the strong origin are contributing their the world and has been adopted as ties between Canada and Hong Kong, tremendous talents and hard work in Hong Kong's floral emblem. It is ties of history, of trade, of family, and almost every field of human widely planted - being propogated of trust endeavour. by cuttings since, like most hybrids, We are not strangers. The links These new Canadians are helping its seeds are usually sterile." (Hong between Canada and Hong Kong to build a modern and dynamic and Kong: The Facts - Flora and Fauna, stretch back over the centuries to the multicultural Canada. We are proud P-l.) days of the British Empire, the days of their contribution. That contribution of sailing ships, a period when not only enriches Canadian society; it Emigration - The official emigration thousands of Southern Chinese arrived is also a business asset, an invaluable forecast for 1990 is 55 thousand, in and contributed so resource for Canada as we seek to compared with an estimate of 42 much to the building of our young compete successfully and develop new thousand for 1989. The government nation. markets in the Pacific. predicts that 426 thousand [see new The complex history of ties The flow of people has not been figure p. 5] will leave Hong Kong between Hong Kong and Canada also just one way. The Canadian during 1989-96 for emigration and extends to earlier, sad days of conflict. population in Hong Kong now exceeds overseas studies. It plans to set up In 1941, Canadian troops were called 30,000. That is the largest Canadian employment services overseas to upon to defend Hong Kong. 550 community in Asia. In addition, some u entice former Hong Kong residents Canadian soldiers died during that 70,000 Hong Kong graduates of to return to work. (Hong Kong conflict. They are not forgotten; every Canadian universities live and work in

Economic Profile, 70, 15.8.90, p.2.) December their sacrifice is Hong Kong, enhancing the strong commemorated at Sai Wan cemetery. personal links between our two - Commemoration of Tiananmen Hong Kong owes its origins to its societies. more than 100 thousand people took role as an entrepot post in the China Both of us depend heavily on trade part in demonstrations in Hong Kong trade, a role which the territory for our prosperity and security. The on June 3rd and June 4th to mark continues to fulfil with brilliance. It is people of Hong Kong are the singular the first anniversary of the Peking out of this role that a strong trading traders of Asia and your city remains Massacre. relationship across the Pacific the best entree to the Asia market. developed with Canada. That trading Canada and Hong Kong share a Lawyers - almost 80 percent of relationship continues and grows to common commitment to open markets Hong Kong lawyers plan to leave this day. Two-way trade stands at and free trade around the world. And before 1997, according to a survey over $2.2 billion, and Hong Kong in the Pacific region, we share an conducted by the Hong Kong Bar investment in Canada was $2.4 billion interest in promoting prosperity Association. (Far Eastern Economic in 1989 alone. through more liberal trade in goods Review 24.5.90.) and services. Our shared interest in freer trade Gulf Crisis on single (Chinese) nationality is was demonstrated by the fact that the business community was From page one contradicted by the de facto Hong Kong recognition of dual nationality. This among the first to recognize that the Gulf. He referred to the section of issue will undoubtedly continue to Canada-US Free Trade Agreement the Joint Declaration which stipulates generate intense interest. would have a positive impact on partners. that all people with Hong Kong The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait Canadian trade with all our passports are to be considered Chinese also assisted Taiwanese staff members The Free Trade Agreement will nationals after 1997. This declaration of the BES Engineering Corp to leave continue to act as a catalyst for the economic would only make sense if Mr. Lam Kuwait for Jordan by issuing them Canada/Hong Kong and others rescued from Kuwait and with PRC passports. partnership. Iraq had to surrender their Hong Kong n.b. In Canada the lerm citizenship is used, in passports, which apparently they did the United Kingdom and Hong Kong the normal CLARK'S ADDRESS - page 3 not. Thus Mr. Zhou's overt insistence term is nationality.

2 UPDATE CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Editors Wilson's Governor Reply Kong, now at least 11,500 strong, is Pacific Rim, an area of enormous flourishing and continues to expand. economic opportunity now and in the Thank you very much for your Trade between us is booming. We are decades ahead. kind given words. You have us a developing close links in co-operation Perhaps all these shared truly magnificent welcome to Canada. against drug trafficking. We have experiences explain why we in Hong I believe I am the first serving reached a new agreement on air Kong feel that Canada understands us, Governor of Hong Kong to visit this services between Hong Kong and and our special circumstances, so well. fine capital city. It is therefore right Canada, which provides for increased We have developed a close that I should, on behalf of the people air links on both sides. And, as you relationship cemented by trade, by of Hong Kong, express our thanks for know, we hope to open a new investment, by education, and by everything that Canada and Canadians economic and trade office in Toronto personal ties. We are most grateful have done for our community over before too long. for the positive and active support years. it is. In this many Many years Standing in this magnificent which your government has offered to context, I would like to pay particular building, a wider theme occurs to me. Hong Kong. You have a major tribute to the gallantry of the men of That is the mingling of civilisations economic and cultural stake in Hong the Royal Rifles and and traditions. In this respect Hong Kong and its future prosperity, and we Grenadiers who came to join in the Kong and Canada have much in hope that you will continue to take defence in with of Hong Kong 1941 common. We are both multi-cultural good care of, and a close interest in, such conspicuous bravery. Their societies. We share the advantages of the investment your community has sacrifice is not, and will not be, creativity and vitality this brings. We made. It is reassuring to know that, forgotten. share a high regard for human rights whatever the future may hold, we have In recent times, happier more and and values. We both enjoy vigorous a good friend across the Pacific. I circumstances, Canada has continued free market economies. We are both hope and believe you will find Hong to make a major contribution to Hong international in our outlook. We are Kong has much to offer in return and Kong's welfare and prosperity. The both major trading societies on the that this Pacific partnership will Canadian business community in Hong endure.

Destinations for Hong Kong People

by Ho-yin Cheung a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction in the application would be about 24 Hong Kong with the package. thousand.) But immigration to The West German Government has Australia will be cut by 10 percent in The migration climate in Hong promised right of abode to managerial the coming year to make room for Kong has drawn international attention. staff and their families working for the about 20 thousand mainland Chinese The promulgation of the British 34 German companies in Hong Kong. students. The consulate expects that Nationality (HK) Bill, which will grant However, the stringent requirements about 13 thousand immigrant visas

50 thousand heads of families and mean it is likely that only a small will be issued to Hong Kong their dependents British citizenship has number will be granted residency applicants.

stirred up controversy in Hong Kong rights. It is alleged that France, Singapore has adopted a rather and overseas. Provisions similar to Belgium and Luxembourg have different migration policy toward Hong those in the British Nationality Bill announced similar arrangements Kong people. Hong Kong's skilled, have been made by many countries. without specifying the number of clerical workers, blue-collar technicians It is widely criticized for its people who might benefit. and craftspeople are on its list of stipulations in favour of businessmen The American Chamber of favoured migrants. Out of the and professionals. Under the package, Commerce has sent a delegation to migration quota of 25 thousand Hong professionals will earn points for the Washington to lobby for more Kong people, 13 thousand are number of years experience they immigration visas for Hong Kong allocated in the above mentioned possess in their fields. Years of people. AmCham wants the number categories. The actual relocation of experience for people in business will of visas to be increased from 5 people from Hong Kong to Singapore be linked directly to their salaries, thousand to 20 thousand annually and is so far about 400. with the most points awarded to those more visas to be allocated to There are estimates that as many with the highest earnings. It seems employment and professional as one fifth of emigrants are being likely that high income earners and categories. The legislation is before a lured back by money, friends and the those between 30 and 40 years of age recently approved congressional quality of life in Hong Kong. with experience in their field will have committee in the U.S. Residency rights in a foreign country the best chance of obtaining British A record 12 thousand people have appear to be a necessary insurance passports. In the territory, such applied for visas to emigrate with the policy for Hong Kong people. mechanisms are seen as prejudicial to Australian consulate in Hong Kong. the general populace and have aroused (The actual number of people covered

4 UPDATE seen in Hong Kong as an effort on the part of the Hong Kong government Barbara McDougall Visits H.K. British Nationality Proposals to reassure Peking that Hong Kong would not be used as a base of "subversive" by Diana Lary In late July, during the week that J activities. It was not immediately Toronto royal assent was given to the British clear whether the pettiness of the Nationality (HK) Bill, which will grant charges, launched under an antiquated, Canada's Minister of Employment British nationality to 50 thousand little used statute, was a demonstration and Immigration, Barbara McDougall, heads of families and their dependents, that any act of defiance to China visited Hong Kong in early September the junior Foreign Office Minister, would be punished, or whether it was to familiarise herself with the Francis Maude, visited Peking, to try meant in a subtle way to ridicule emigration situation there and to meet to mollify Chinese antipathy to the Chinese fears of subversion. officials of the H.K. Government and scheme. On July 25th, Maude had a In the same week that Maude the Canadian Commission. Her visit public meeting with the Chinese visited Peking, there was a rush in coincided with that of the Australian premier, Li Peng, the man considered Hong Kong to apply for registration as Minister of Immigration, Gerry Hand. chiefly responsible for the Peking British Dependent Territories citizens. The ministers met the governor Massacre last year. Maude's visit was Thousands of people tried to register together on September 3rd. Neither a publicity coup for Mr. Li, who has before the deadline of July 27th; spoke of the content of the meeting, had few senior visitors this year, but registration is a minimum qualification though there were reports they had was criticised in England as for application for British nationality. been urged not to try to entice "the 'kowtowing' to Peking. The visit did The process of selecting the 50 cream of Hong Kong" away. not succeed in muting Chinese thousand heads of household will In a speech, McDougall said that opposition to the British nationality begin in December, 1990. One and a while the current slow down in scheme; the day after Maude left half million application forms will be processing applications and issuing Peking, the Chinese Ministry of distributed in November. The first visas had to do with the fact that the Foreign Affairs put out a statement passports will be issued at Easter, global figure of immigrants to Canada which sternly reiterated Peking's 1991. There is some concern that if for 1990 had been reached, and did rejection of it. the Chinese government continues to not relate specifically to Hong Kong, Maude's visit coincided with the refuse recognition of these passports she also indicated that there would be trial in Hong Kong of five members while the holders remain in Peking, no special "insurance scheme" of the recently established United the desired effect of the scheme of (preferential visa treatment). "A basic Democrats of Hong Kong, who were allowing people to remain in Hong requirement for all immigrants is that charged with the illegal use of loud Kong will be reversed, and passport they share a commitment to Canada hailers during protests in February holders will instead be forced to use and to Canada's future. That is why against the Basic Law. They were them to leave Hong Kong. we cannot, and will not, allow our convicted on July 27th. The trial was immigration programs to be used simply as a kind of 'insurance policy'. Xu Jiatun Leaves Hong Kong described the modern capitalist system "There has been speculation in the as "a great invention of human media recently that we are cutting Diana Lary by «/ civilisation" - was both surprising and back on immigration, specifically from Toronto reassuring to many Hong Kong people. Hong Kong. I cannot stress too The fact that his departure was strongly that this speculation is false. observers the Many of Hong Kong transformed into a dismissal conveyed "Because the of immigrants number startled hear in scene were to May another clear message that "niceness" coming to Canada has been much that Jiatun, director the Xu former of in terms of China's treatment of Hong higher than expected this year, we New China News Agency in Hong Kong was no longer in the cards. Xu have been forced to temporarily slow Kong, and de facto Chinese chief was ordered to return to his home in down visa issuance. this But there, left for California had on an Nanjing for his retirement; only his temporary slow down is not a cut extended vacation. Xu has been a wife went - he and other members of back, and it is definitely not aimed at member of the Chinese Communist his family went off to the States. Hong Kong. It applies universally to Party for 54 years, and at the time of Both the United States and the all countries, and it is intended to give his departure was still a member of its Chinese governments were careful not service support agencies time our and Central Committee. retired from Xu to refer to his move as a defection, demands," said to adjust to increased his position in February under cloud a though a three year tourist visas is McDougall. because of his loss of control over unprecedented. Whether a defection the visit, the During H.K. previously pro-Communist elements in or not, Xu is the most senior person government estimate of the number of Hong Kong in May and June, 1989. to leave China since Lin Biao's people who will leave Hong Kong in On his departure he was publicly attempt to fly out of China in 1973, 1990 was published. At 62 thousand, his successor, humiliated by Zhou an attempt which ended in his death it is nearly 50 percent above the figure Nan, who made a point of not when his plane was shot down. Xu's for 1989. Government spokesman thanking Xu for his many years of departure had a disturbing effect in Mike Rowse said it consists largely of work in Hong Kong. Xu had done a Hong Kong, where the disillusionment professionals between 25 and 40, good job on behalf of China, and had of a top Chinese official gave no people the government considers most gained a measure of popularity in cause for encouragement about China's essential to maintain stability in Hong Hong Kong; his apparent attitude towards Hong Kong. Kong before and after 1997. understanding of capitalism - he

UPDATE 5 Demographic Characteristics of Hong Kong Immigrants by Diana Lary Toronto y

In any migration, the characteristics of the migrants are determined in part by the nature of the applicants, and in part by the immigration policies of the host country. The pressure to leave Hong Kong before 1997 is an extra factor of major significance in the determination of who is emigrating and who is staying in the territory. Under different circumstances, many of the people now migrating would seem too well established to want to move. The demographic statistics from Employment and Immigration Canada cited below, give us some indication of what types of Hong Kong people are now immigrating to Canada. The figures are for immigrants whose country of last permanent residence (CLPR) was Hong Kong and who landed in Canada in 1988 and 1989; they do not yet include people who applied to emigrate in 1989, when the number of applications went up dramatically (see last Update).

In looking at statistics for only two years, it is not easy to make worthwhile comparisons. These figures should be taken as an indication of the overall composition of the group, rather than as signs of significant changes from one year to the next. Principal immigrants (those who made the successful applications) accounted for somewhat under half the total number of immigrants in each year. This is consistent with the global proportion of principal to spouse and dependents of 1:1.2. Mother English French Bilingual tongue Total 1988 Principal 7984 49 66 2254 10353 Spouse 3374 6 18 2202 5400

Dependent 1718 1 7 5802 7528 Total 13076 56 91 10058 23281 % (56.17) (0.24) (0.39) (43.20)

1989 Principal 5954 21 57 2375 8407 Spouse 2366 3 11 1979 4359 Dependent 1905 2 7 5169 7083 Not stated 8 4 12 Total 10233 26 75 9527 19681 % (51.52) (0.13) (0.38) (47.97)

Educational levels

As a rule. Hong Kong people put great stress on education, though opportunities for university education have been limited by the fact that until now there have only been two small universities. The number of immigrants with one or more university degrees is not striking, (3597 or 15.05 percent in 1988; 2340 or 11.79 percent in 1989), but if principal immigrants are taken separately, then the figures for university graduates are 2869 (27.71 percent) in 1988, 1681 (20 percent) in 1989. The number of people with trade certificates, non-university post-secondary training or university diplomas is quite substantial: 5959 or 25.60 percent in 1988; 4807 or 24.22 percent in 1989. The number of principal immigrants with such training was 3980 or 38.44 percent in 1988; 3116 or 37.10 percent in 1989. At the bottom end, in 1988, 3503 (33.83 percent) principal immigrants had secondary school education or less, as did 3119 (57.75 percent) spouses and 7101 (94.32 percent) dependents (the great majority of dependents would be infants or children still in school). In 1989, the figures for secondary school education or less were: principal immigrants, 3603 (42.85 percent), spouses, 2803 (64.3 percent) and dependents 6292 (88.83 percent). "Place" and "Face": One Immigrant's Experience of menial tasks such as photocopying, This situation inevitably gives rise to by Wendy Tang message delivery, and filling teacups. the perception of lost status, especially Toronto V Thus, immigrants from Hong Kong for someone who is used to being starting out in Canada may perceive a "somebody." Many recent immigrants from loss of status as they suddenly find Higher social status generally Hong Kong are accomplished themselves deprived of the personal results in special privileges and professionals and entrepreneurs. Yet benefits derived from cheap labour. unequal access to opportunity. Its too much attention has been focused Worse still, they may find themselves loss, therefore, should not be regretted. on their economic power. Despite performing menial tasks for others! Unfortunately, status is often correlated their previous achievements, these Another factor influencing the positively with self-esteem. The loss people still face the challenge of re- immigrant's employment status is the of status and a diminished sense of establishing their former social status loss of business, familial, and social self-esteem is intensified by feelings of in this country. As Max Weber once networks: the old-boy connection, personal inefficiency in a new pointed out, mere economic power is personal links, or what would be environment. Psychologically by no means the sole basis of social referred to in Chinese as guan-xi . The disoriented, some individuals react honor. New immigrants, with few new immigrant can no longer "pull with resignation while forcing their exceptions, experience downward strings" because he or she no longer hopes onto their children. Some social mobility. My own experience, has pals in high places. So, instead of individuals find compensation in other and that of many others I know, picking up the phone and calling a aspects of life. Some turn into seems to bear this out. friend in the government department incessant complainers. And still others An immigrant who has an responsible for employment, he/she choose to postpone the inevitable by academic or professional degree from now has to line up with the "common" staying in Hong Kong as long as a North American university should be people early in the morning. This possible while sending the family over able to secure a position comparable scenario is duplicated in the first. to his former occupational attainments. workplace. The immigrant has no Canada needs the human and

It is very difficult, if not impossible, more properly positioned "good economic resources provided by for those immigrants who are "self- friends" to give him or her "face." immigrants from Hong Kong, while made" individuals to do the same. Everything is done in a formal and Hong Kong emigrants believe they

Experience is all they have, but it is business-like manner. Rules are to be need a haven from the risks of the not Canadian experience. observed down to the letter, which is change of government in 1997. A In 1985, armed with fifteen years especially true in a unionized work healthy relationship between new of experience at an executive level, I environment. Guan-xi may not be immigrants from Hong Kong and the had to start from the very beginning at particular to the Chinese, but the fact Canadian people cannot, therefore, be York University as a that one is not a "local boy or girl" left to chance but must be engineered clerk/typist/receptionist to gain denies one access to local networks. with care and intelligence. "Canadian" experience. It was only Characteristics after many good supervisory reports on Demographic my first few assignments that I was approached with an offer of a permanent and better position. Of

course, I did have another option at the time: working in Canada for a Chinese employer at a lower salary but with higher status. In addition to demotion in occupational status, the new immigrant experiences self-perceived demotion

which is attributable to the structure of

Canadian society. Hong Kong is a highly stratified society with a good supply of cheap labour. Consequently, the small middle class, to which the great majority of immigrants from Hong Kong belong, enjoys many services and comforts for just a tiny fraction of their income. In the workplace, for example, administrative personnel are served by a large pool of "minor staff who perform all kinds

8 UPDATE French Language Courses More Popular Than Ever in Hong Kong

by Francis Allard French at their Hong Kong offices, materials. With Monlmartrc giving si way Toronto which together mark the territory as to la rue Saint-Denis in the textbooks, AF's third or fourth largest presence the hope is that early identification As central as they are to helping in the world. The number of such with Quebecois culture will facilitate define the political climate in Canada, students jumped from 7,040 in 1986- the integration of immigrants following

language issues also play an important 87 to well over 13 thousand in 1989- their arrival in the province. It is also role in the nation's immigration policy. 90, with a particularly strong demand possible that the program may be While it is generally less important in for French courses in the last year. expanded later to allow prospective determining the outcome of Mi. Herve Braneyre, of the central AF applicants (those without a CSQ) to applications by investors or office in Hong Kong, points out that, take the classes.

entrepreneurs, language proficiency although the school does not poll its may be very important for other students as to their reasons for Report From China's Capital immigrants in the independent class. enrolling, and although some of the While Canada's national immigration increase may be explained by the by Mark Rowswell policy and 's provincial one opening of a new centre in the New Beijing V use a similar point system, the number Territories, there is little doubt that of points allocated in each category many students are in fact looking to Chinese press coverage of Hong differs. In the language category, out improve their chances of emigrating to Kong over the past few months can be of 15 points, Canada allocates a Quebec (other French-speaking easily divided under three headings: maximum of nine points for the countries have not been attracting as positive economic reports, criticism of applicant's knowledge of French or many Hong Kong people because of London's nationality package (the English (whichever the applicant is their more restrictive immigration British Nationality [Hong Kong] Act most fluent in), with another maximum policies, said Braneyre). 1990) and calls for unity and of six points for the second of these Already plagued by a declining cooperation between Hong Kong and languages. Quebec, on the other hand, birth rate and a smaller share of the mainland. All the coverage gives allocates a maximum of 15 points for immigrants (16%) than its the reader the impression that the knowledge of French, while demographic weight in Canada (25%), everything is fine and would be even English receives only two points. Quebec also faces the problem of better if the British stopped meddling For Hong Kong people who have ensuring that the newly arrived and Hong Kongers quit squabbling. decided to apply for immigration at immigrants will decide to remain in The positive economic reports the Quebec office rather than at the the province rather than leave for come in the form of short summaries Canadian Commission (in some cases anglophone communities in other parts of selectively chosen statistics. because they have decided that the of Canada. Though there are no formal Glowing coverage was given to the overall requirements are less stringent statistics, many Hong Kong immigrants official opening of the 70-storey Bank in Quebec), this decision may entail who have obtained a CSQ (Certificat of China (BOC) building in May, an learning French in order to improve de Selection du Quebec) leave the occasion attended by the president of their chances of scoring high in the province soon after their arrival, often the state-owned bank, Wang Deyan. language category. While language moving to Toronto or Vancouver. In BOC loans to local Hong Kong proficiency may be of little order to solve this problem and allay industries were said to have increased consequence in the case of those many dissatisfaction from its French by 17 percent, but no time frame was "business" immigrants from Hong speaking community about the lack of specified. Headlines such as "HK sees Kong who scored high in the point integration by some ethnic groups, increase in foreign firms," and "More system while having little or no Quebec is now trying to promote ships arrive in Hong Kong" appeared knowledge of French, the same is not immigration from French-speaking in the week before the British true of the many non-business countries which are culturally most parliament passed the nationality immigrants who wish to enter Canada similar to it, such as France and package. through Quebec, where such Belgium. In the case of Hong Kong, it This move by London, which proficiency becomes an important has come up with a solution which it grants full British citizenship, including issue. In fact, Hong Kong based hopes may in the long run prove right of abode in the United Kingdom, immigration lawyers are advising their beneficial. On August 29, Monique to 50,000 heads of families and their clients to learn French prior to their Gagnon-Tremblay, Quebec's Ministre dependents, has been repeatedly interviews. des Communautes Culturelles et de criticized in the Chinese press. A new The desire to emigrate to Canada l'lmmigration, signed an agreement round of condemnation followed the is believed to be at least partly with Alliance Francaise establishing a British Parliament's final passing of responsible for a rapid increase in two semester pilot project in which the proposals in July. The Chinese enrolments at Alliance Francaise (AF), 50-60 people now holding a CSQ will claim that the nationality package is a France's "instrument" for the take French language courses given by clear violation of the spirit of the dissemination of French culture abroad. teachers from Quebec (or French Sino-British Joint Declaration and The school has seen a marked increase teachers who are familiar with the other relevant agreements. Beijing has in the number of people learning province), using Quebec leaching BEIJING - page 11

UPDATE 9 Return Migration to Hong Kong

all, the by Josephine Smart responses, of which 120 were solution. Many, if not of before interviewed for positions as returnees will leave again in or accountants, engineers, marketing and 1997 when The People's Republic of China takes over Hong Kong [, Emigration is nothing new for financial consultants. In contrast, survey by the Hong Kong, but the recent wave of Louis Thomas of Odgers and 9-01-1990]. In a recent of Kong, about 1997-related departures of skilled and Company received only 67 responses City Polytechnic Hong returned emigrants professional, middle-class Chinese to from his English and Chinese 50 percent of leave before Canada, Australia and the United advertisements in Vancouver last indicated they would [scmp. 6-01-1990]. More States has caused much concern and October seeking Hong Kong 1997 importantly, the assumption that debate. An estimated 95 thousand professionals who wished to return [SCMP, 12-10-1989]. economic incentives are the primary people left in the period 1986 to 1988 Nobody knows exactly how many force behind return migration [scmp, 20-H-1988]. In 1989 alone, over driving emigrants return to Hong Kong to live simplistic and misleading. It 42 thousand people left Hong Kong. is both and work despite repeated attempts by factors The Hong Kong government estimates cannot be denied that economic the government and other non- issues for some returnees. a net out migration of 425,664 persons are major government bodies, like the Institute of Survey Research for the period 1989-1996 [scmp, 8-os- A survey by The Personnel Management, to pin-point HongKong in 1990 revealed that 1990]. Some multinational companies the phenomenon through surveys. In a those coming back to are concerned enough about the almost half of recent government survey of 60 did because they could instability generated by the steady loss Hong Kong so thousand people, the result was or find better jobs in the of qualified personnel to consider earn more considered invalid due to the people's third cited nostalgia and moving their headquarters to Thailand territory, a unwillingness to respond truthfully to a social reasons as the reason for [Hong Kong Business Today, March 1988; 17-18]. other survey on the subject after the June a fifth came back Local residents, many enjoying coming back, and massacre in Beijing in 1989 [scmp, 21- adapting to unprecedented wage increases and because they had trouble 05-1990]. In an earlier survey in 1989, 12-07-1990]. The promotional opportunities due to the life overseas (scmp, a government task force found that "astronauts" with increasing labour demand, also express significant number of there were about 41 thousand Hong passport living concern about the economic and social or without a foreign Kong people holding foreign passports working in Hong Kong while their stability of Hong Kong as a result of and who had returned to the territory overseas is a strong the "brain drain". The government, family lives [scmp, 9-09-1989]. The Canadian indication that good jobs and high naturally, tries to downplay the Commission estimated there are about indeed for negative impact of brain drain [scmp, wages are strong attractions 26 to 29 thousand Canadian passport However, money alone is 17-03-1989). However, even the some. holders of Hong Kong origin living in the return rate government admits that foreign unlikely to increase Hong Kong in 1990 [scmp. 22-04-1990]. are several major investors are shying away from Hong significantly. There It is not clear from these figures emigrants' Kong because of the brain drain factors contributing to many whether the people included are recent of interest in return migration. [Hong Kong Standard 6-19-1989]. lack left emigrants or whether they Hong First, it may not be economically It is not surprising that both the Kong more than a decade ago and Kong after public and private sectors in Hong viable to return to Hong whether their stay in Hong Kong is several years to Kong share a common interest in living overseas for temporary or permanent. There is a citizenship and a new return migration of Hong Kong qualify for general optimism about return guarantee, emigrants. More pointedly, they are passport. Even with a job migration based on the belief that once in Kong may not interested in finding ways to encourage the new job Hong they secure their foreign passport and sufficiently to cover the cost of and facilitate return migration. The pay citizenship, emigrants will be attracted is extremely Institute of Personnel Management, relocation. Housing to the greater economic opportunities it can cost representing 665 major firms in Hong expensive in Hong Kong, in Hong Kong. At present, the return million duplicate an Kong, has just launched a plan code up to Cdn$l to rate of recent Hong Kong emigrants is family's living space named Net Project to reverse the brain average Canadian estimated at 10-15 percent [scmp, 22-04 children drain via active recruitment of Hong and style in Hong Kong. The 1990]. It is expected that the rate of follow the more Kong immigrants in North America will not be able to return will increase from 1991 under and higher demand and Australia [scmp. 15-05-1990]. rigorous curriculum the influence of more active overseas in the Similarly, the Hong Kong government of Chinese language skills recruitment campaigns and the ongoing only alternative is is considering sending senior officials public schools. The strength of the Hong Kong economy. schools which offer overseas to lure Hong Kong emigrants the international The optimism about return and, in future, and university students back to the North American, British migration, however, is not shared by There are 17 territory [scmp, i2-io-i989]. Many Canadian curricula. all. The recruitment of Hong Kong multinational companies have been international schools at the secondary emigrants holding foreign passports to and pre- doing that for some time with mixed level and 28 at the primary alleviate the labour shortage in Hong offer results. Last year. Price Waterhouse school level. Altogether they Kong is at the best a band-aid cost of advertised in Toronto for positions in about 10 thousand places at a Hong Kong and received 800 Cdn$3-$10 thousand a year which

10 UPDATE increases by 15-20 percent every year drivers as they did in Hong Kong. existence between Hong Kong and |SCMP, 1303-1989; 18-06-1990; 29-06-1990) .A They can be more casual in their dress another country for as long as the

Some schools have a waiting list of and lifestyle since there is not the economic incentives are strong, and several years iscmp, 04-03-19901. For a same pressure on consumption and the social pressure to rejoin the family returnee, a move back to Hong Kong keeping up with the Joneses. In short, remains low. In view of the

is simply not viable economically if they become more human. They are increasing awareness of the his income cannot cover these and happier. Many still miss the psychological and social problems other costs. Some companies excitement and material extravagance associated with the astronaut obviously will pay a candidate that of Hong Kong, but at the same time phenomenon, maybe more Hong Kong they really need and want, but other they are not willing to give up their emigrants would decide not to become companies are expressing concern better quality of life in return for more "astronauts" in order to reduce the about the divisive effect of offering money, more stress, more pollution possibility of divorce, generational returnees a better package than that and more work. One senior hostility and mental stress associated offered to their local staff [scmp, n-03- telecommunications executive from with single-parenthood and migration [Hong Kong Standard, 28-04-1990; 1989]. Such differential treatment is Hong Kong earning a yearly income Lam, 1990; Smart, in press]. Most return emigrants likely to cause internal unrest and loss of close to Cdn$100 thousand before intend to take their family out of of staff loyalty. he left last month sums it up this way, Hong Kong before 1997 to ensure Secondly, many social and non- "I have had enough of it. I sold my their safety. If conditions remain economic factors arising from an body and soul to the company for good in Hong Kong after 1997 they may go emigrant's experience of living in almost twenty years. Now I want to back, but clearly they not intend to another country can affect his/her live." For people like that, no amount do put their families at risk for the sake decision about return migration. Some of money will lure him back to Hong of money or position. It must be Hong Kong emigrants left initially Kong before or after 1997. clear the policy makers and with the intention of returning after Lastly, most professionals and made to other significant players in Hong Kong they obtained their foreign passport, middle-class Chinese leave Hong Kong that return migration before or after and their experience of downward because they fear the uncertainty of 1997 is a volatile phenomenon mobility and loss of status/rank and 1997. They give up their career, governed only partially by economic income in the new host country might income and status in order to resettle forces. There are the many social and very well intensify this desire for their family in a place they can call individualistic factors that no amount return migration in their first year home permanently. The relative lack of money or material attraction can away from Hong Kong. However, as of interest in Singapore, Taiwan and a displace increase the rate of return time goes on, they experience a way myriad of smaller and unstable to migration or to keep the returnees in of life that they enjoy like nothing countries as a final destination for Hong Kong for any longer than they they ever had in Hong Kong. They Hong Kong emigrants, reflects clearly wish. have more time to spend with their this sentiment Return migration, for family, they have more space to these emigrants, means a transitional References: Hong Kong Business Today, Hong themselves, their children enjoy school phenomenon that will be modified or Kong Standard; Lawrence Lam, The New and the parents no longer have to reversed once the conditions change. Chinese Immigrants in Toronto: The Hidden Injury Their Migration, Paper presented at the spend all evenings and holidays Older folks may return to live in Hong of Learned Societies Meetings, University of supervising and preparing the children Kong for social and cultural reasons, Victoria, May 1990, Josephine Smart. for the never ending examinations. but they will move back to North Immigration and Household Formation: The They can slow down and take America or Australia if political and Emergence of Female-centred Households Hong Kong Business Immigrants in holidays, they no longer have to drive social stability in Hong Kong should Among Canada, International Migration Review, South like Mad Max or to get all stressed worsen. "Astronaut" husbands and China Morning Post [SCMP). out on the road to avoid aggressive wives will continue their divided

Report from Beijing

from page 9

mainland and Hong Kong. This was question and instead treat it as an declared that it will not recognise the the thrust of CCP General Secretary internal Chinese affair. British citizenships granted to "a Jiang Zemin's message to prominent Chinese press coverage of Hong number of Hong Kong Chinese Hong Kong figures such as Li Ka Kong has been very sparse, especially citizens" and vowed that "the Shing when they met in Shenzhen in in comparison with news related to government of the Hong Kong Special June. Also in June, director of the Taiwan. Beijing apparently believes Administrative Region will be Hong Kong branch of the Xinhua that the Hong Kong question has been composed of local inhabitants." This News Agency, Zhou Nan, urged Hong settled and any difficulties arising latest round of criticism was merely a Kong businessmen to learn how to live during the transition of power to the repetition of previous statements by in harmony and cooperate under the mainland can and must be solved by China. "one country, two systems" the Chinese government, without The remainder of news articles on arrangement. These calls reflect interference from international or Hong Kong consist of calls for Beijing's desire to avoid the dissident Hong Kong forces. stability and a sense of unity and internationalization of the Hong Kong cooperation among Chinese from the

UPDATE 11 Hong Kong in Canada-China Trade by Philip Calvert • despite a drop this year in Hong an important role within the Ottawa Kong's overall re-export trade. Re- framework of Canadian trade with exports also play an important role in China. Wheat, of course, dominates Hong Kong was born out of Sino- Canada's trade with Hong Kong and our exports to China: this is managed British hostilities over access to the China. Currently, Canada exports through negotiations between the China market, and its proximity to about $1.1 billion (Canadian) to Hong Canadian Wheat Board and central China has dominated its life ever Kong, about 25 percent (or $275 agencies in China, and shipped mainly since. Created by the treaty which million) of which is re-exported; of through northern ports such as Dalian ended the first Opium War in 1842, this, about 80 percent (or $220 and Tianjin. However, a significant Hong Kong has served as a listening million) goes to the People's Republic part of the growth of trade in other post for the gathering of intelligence of China. sectors comes from activities generated on mainland China, as a goal for Figures on the value of exports or managed through Hong Kong. This refugees from the mainland, and as a passing through Hong Kong trading trade tends to focus on , centre for the study of Chinese houses, however, only tell part of the where ties of language and personal politics, history and culture. The story, for Hong Kong's importance in connections are stronger. impact of its proximity has also Sino-Canadian trade takes on many The growth of Hong Kong export dominated its economic life. Although more dimensions. Many Canadian industries based in Guangdong and Hong Kong in its own right serves as companies and organisations, including China's Special Economic Zones an important market for Canadian some provincial governments, have (SEZ's), however, also reflects the goods and services, the territory has offices in Hong Kong which serve as growing interdependence of the also become increasingly important for a base for their Asian activities, economies of China (particularly South the access it provides to China and the allowing for more regular, frequent China) and Hong Kong. Hong Kong Chinese market. Hong Kong based contact with Asian markets — companies are major investors in the trading companies are playing including China - and promoting the mainland, and the most powerful Hong important intermediary roles in the development of ongoing personal Kong entrepreneurs have access to expansion and maturing of trade associations which are so important to China's top leadership. In the past relations, and with the increasing the conduct of business in this region. few years, Chinese government economic presence of China in Hong Other companies make use of Hong corporations, particularly China Kong and the growing fusion and Kong agents for the promotion of their International Trust and Investment interdependence of the two economies, activities in China. A good agent can Corporation (OTIC), have been this role is likely to become even provide an understanding of the investing heavily in the Hong Kong more important in the future. language and cultural traditions of the economy, especially in the energy and Re-exports dominate Hong Kong's market: proximity to the mainland, transportation sectors. CITIC now has export trade. According to figures careful cultivation of contacts within shares in , Dragon Air provided by the Hong Kong Trade the Chinese bureaucracy, and the and Hong Kong Telecom, and is Development Council, the territory's judicious use of ties of ethnicity and pursuing interests in China Light and 1989 re-exports were worth about locality can give them access to Power. It is significant, too, that US$44 billion, as compared with essential technical or commercial when the United States was US$29 billion worth of domestic intelligence, while knowledge of the considering not renewing China's Most exports. Figures for the first six structure of, and key players within, Favoured Nation Status, the Hong months of 1990 indicate a the Chinese bureaucracy can allow Kong government and business leaders continuation, even a strengthening of them to cut through the red tape strongly urged that the status be this trend: the value of re-exports associated with transactions in China. renewed, arguing that cancellation of (US$23.5 billion) was nearly double Of course, any company wishing to this status would have devastating that of domestic exports (US$12.9 have its own effective Hong Kong effects on the Hong Kong economy. billion). The bulk of the re-export office will be aware of these As we approach 1997, we can expect trade comes from factories in considerations when hiring its own the two economies to become even Guangdong (Canton Province), China, staff as well. more interlocked, and Hong Kong's where assembling and processing is The use of Hong Kong offices or importance as an entrepot to become carried out for foreign (mainly Hong Hong Kong-based trading companies more crucial in trade relations with the Kong) companies. These re-exports of and agents (some of which have People's Republic of China. Chinese origin continue to increase, offices in Canada) continues to play

over the course of the four year publications. The issues include how Workshop on Project's Future / project. The day was divided into new immigrants from Hong Kong are four sessions: an Introduction, Hong perceived by Canadians including the On June 1, 1990, the Asia Pacific Kong Issues, Settlement Issues and Chinese community and how they are Foundation in Vancouver hosted the International Issues. portrayed in media reports. Professor first workshop of the Canada and During the morning sessions. Lary said the project is to be a sober Hong Kong Project since it began Professor Diana Lary, Director of the counter-balance to any existing or operations in January of this year. Project, led informal discussions on potentially negative atmosphere Key participants from Toronto, the project's objectives and issues to anywhere in Canada in response to the Vancouver, and Victoria gathered to be addressed in research, workshops, large-scale immigration of people from help define the issues to be addressed conferences, newsjournals and Hong Kong.

WORKSHOP - page 16

12 UPDATE Immigration Brings New Challenges for B.C. Schools y* by Stephanie Gould funding formula that is more teaching ESL students in regular Toronto equitable." Despite lack of funding, the classrooms. Chan said the courses, school board has taken a "pro-active" which are offered in Richmond to save Like many others in Canada's approach to meet the challenges of a teachers travelling to university, are urban areas, school districts in British rapid influx of new students. "Now, oversubscribed. Columbia, especially in Richmond, this is an evolution rather than a A program for students called Surrey and , are facing the revolution because we have some English as a Second Culture was challenge of rapidly increasing inkling about the fact that there will designed to provide orientations about enrolments of children recently arrived be more and more coming, not Canada and Richmond "as cultural from Hong Kong. knowing the magnitude of the whole communities." A buddy system has For the second year in a row. thing," said Chan. Programs have also been started in the schools. "We School District #38 in Richmond, is been designed and implemented for call them friendship clubs where you not accepting fee-paying international teachers, students and parents. have the kids make friends and work students this year because English as a Much has been accomplished by an together. And that's to avoid any Second Language (ESL) Programs are ESL Teacher Consultant, "who possible racial tensions." bursting at the seams. Mr. Rubin organized our teachers and Chan is also pleased with the Chan, Director of Special Programs, administrators to raise their awareness, reception of the first orientations and reports that from 1982-1986, the acceptance and their understanding of workshops for parents last October. school district had 180-190 students the students' needs." At monthly "We have set up parents' nights to enroled in ESL classes; in 1987, 220; meetings, coordinators of ESL provide orientations about the in 1988, 400; in 1989, 950; in programs "compare notes and share community, about what the education September of this year there are 2100 ideas so we can help each other meet system can offer, the health ESL students. "Last year, every the challenge of the newly arrived department and support services in the month, 50-70 new kids needed ESL. ESL students, said Chan. community. Last year, over 200 This gives you an idea of the The board has worked closely with parents came to the meeting. That magnitude and speed of change. community organizations and the was followed by a one day workshop Ninety percent of these are from Hong teacher's association to organize on parenting called 'Bringing Up Kong and Taiwan," said Chan. professional workshops and seminars. Children in the Land of Your Choice' Last year, the school district Members of community groups and about 100 people showed up for subsidized the program by over a working with Indo-Chinese and Indo- that day." million dollars. Funding from the Canadians have been brought in to Chan admits that there are still

Ministry of Education in B.C. is based speak and meet with teachers. Last many problems to be overcome, but he on a head count on the 30th of year, the theme of the annual teachers' prefers to see them as challenges and September every year. "They kept association convention was opportunities. "A lot of people see coming, every month we'd get 50-70 multiculturalism and English as a the immigration as a problem. You

[students], so for those that arrived Second Language. know, of course it has presented us after September 30th, we did not get They are also working with local with many challenges, like funding, funding," said Chan. "We have made universities to offer credit courses for staffing and whatnot. But it has also submissions to our local MLA and to teachers. University professors are offered us many opportunities to our MPs and they said they would teaching credit courses in cultivate acceptance, understanding and look into it and try to come up with a multiculturalism, teaching ESL and multiculturalism."

advocated the sale, then, after it was deducted, the company will have paid Expo Site Still an Issue signed, called for it to be renegotiated. $125 million.

Later, he again supported the sale as it Grace McCarthy says the land was by Tan Xiaobing sy determined Vancouver had originally been negotiated. sold for the "market value" The concern and controversy by an open-bidding process. But there remain strong. April 28, two were only two potential buyers, Li's In April 1988, the site of Expo '86 On years after the land was sold, the Concord Pacific and the Vancouver sold to a consortium headed by Hong Vancouver Sun published reports to Land Corp., a consortium headed by Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing. The site provide the public with more Vancouver developer Jack Poole. is about 96 hectares, or one sixth of information on the central questions: Only Li's company proposal met the the downtown area, by some estimates. the government got B.C. cabinet's objective of privatizing The sale to off-shore interests aroused how much money the land was the lands quickly. Poole's bid public concern and controversy among from the sale, and why sold to the Hong Kong company. included a 25-percent participation by politicians because the property is seen According to reports, the B.C. the province. A third potential bidder, by some as "the jewel in the city's Bramalea Ltd., asked crown". government will get between $125 Toronto-based million and $320 million, depending for more time to submit a proposal but Not long after, Grace McCarthy, on it is calculated. Li Ka-shing's was turned down by BCEC, under then B.C. Minister of Economic how Ltd. pressure from the premier to proceed. Development, resigned. Four months Concord Pacific Developments will have paid a total of $320 million Li's company paid about $1.3 million later, the B.C. Enterprise Corporation by the year 2003. Once interest is a hectare. The B.C. government must (BCEC) board, which engineered the EXPO - page 15 sale, was fired. Premier Vander Zalm

UPDATE 13 Sky Lee: Embracing the Past with Love and Anger ^

by Stephanie Gould while she worked as a nurse and a On the other hand, they are not Toronto single parent to her six year old son. portrayed as something that is crushing The novel is not autobiographical, but emotionally. Given a certain "Documents facts are intended to direct and her themes are strongly influenced by intactness of being people will not our prejudiced hearts but rarely provide direction her own experience as a woman and a only survive but thrive." by themselves. I have boxes and boxes of is documents but what I need is vision and vision Chinese Canadian. One of five For Lee, the book a celebration comes from relationship. Facts bereft of love children born into a Chinese Canadian of her cultural roots. She believes us nowhere." direct family who lived in Port Alberni, a have always been, small mill town in British Columbia, not "ethnic," but part of the Joy Kogawa in Magdalene Redekop, "The Literary Politics of the Victim," Lee experienced poverty and isolation "mainstream". The novel traces the

Canadian Forum . November 1989. as a child. Her mother, who was bom history of the Wong family over five in Burma, was barred from coming to generations, beginning with Wong Sky Lee's recent novel, Canada by the Chinese Exclusion Act Gwei Chang, who fell in love with a

Disappearing Moon Cafe , like Joy of 1923 which was not repealed until native woman in the wilds of British

Kogawa's Obasan , is based on 1947. Her father was bom in Canada, Columbia where he hunted for the historical documents and facts. Like but in keeping with tradition, he bones of deceased railway workers.

Kogawa's, Lee's "vision comes from returned to China to "take a wife." "There's a way in which I just relationship"; history and fact are Many things have changed since assume that we are very mainstream, transformed into fiction by intense her family came to Canada, but Lee very much present. And I've never feeling, if not love. In her first novel, said Chinese Canadians experience as really had to defend that in the book. which Lee describes as a "protest much prejudice and stereotyping as That's the wonderful part. In the novel," the characters, plots and ever. Her novel will have special book you'll find that there are themes are animated by protest and significance for people leaving behind recorded incidences of racism over and anger. Lee's voice of protest is "a a whole way of life to come to over again. But they seem to be very Chinese voice that has been silenced Canada -- especially people who share much on the outside. And the for many, many decades here in her own cultural roots, such as those personal drama that's happening within Canada," she said. It has taken several moving from Hong Kong, said Lee. "I the community, within the generations generations for Chinese Canadians to think the human response to of women in the Wong family, were regain the cultural voice which they displacement, alienation, isolation are very much the centre stage. And they lost in the "process of being displaced the same experience [as they were had no other sense of themselves from China to Canada." Lee early in this century]. And the nice except as that." researched and wrote Disappearing thing about Disappearing Moon is that Moon Cafe over a fifteen year period those things are not at all diminished. LEE - next page

300 volunteer workers joined the Democracy Month in Toronto Democracy and the Students Concerned About singers at Maple Leaf Gardens. The in China were concert received wide media coverage by Yang He Student Movement raised more than $60 thousand. Toronto V established. These groups play a and leading role in organizing activities to The second climax of the month support the student movement in was the "Democracy in Motion" rally Overseas Chinese in Toronto used Beijing. and march on Sunday, June 3rd. Over to be regarded as hardworking citizens commemorate the anniversary seven thousand people from all walks who concentrate their lives on business To of June 4th, the Toronto Association of life gathered at Nathan Philip and aren't particularly interested in for and Design Square in front of City Hall that politics. But this image has changed for launched a joint afternoon. The crowd was singing dramatically since the June 4th event Democracy project, Democracy Month, from May "Elegance Stained With Blood" and in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Like 4, 1990 in Toronto. "We Shall Overcome". One after overseas Chinese around the world, the 4 to June Democracy Month began with an another, speakers commemorated those Chinese community in Toronto has opening ceremony in the Peace Garden who devoted their lives to democracy been mobilized and united by the at Toronto City Hall on 4th. in China and called for solidarity to student-led democratic movement in May opening ceremony, continue the struggle. Among them Beijing. During May and June, 1989, Four days after the concert for in China, was Premier Bob Rae, then leader of many community and student a democracy ten top singers from the New Democratic Party in Ontario, organizations, including the Toronto performed by Kong, Taiwan and Canada, was representatives from Toronto women's Association for Democracy in China, Hong held 9th Maple Leaf organizations and members of the the Federation for a Democratic China on May at concert sponsored former independent Worker's Union in (Toronto chapter), the Chinese Alliance Gardens. The was Newspapers, Am-Can Beijing. Both the federal and the for Democracy (Toronto), the by Sing Tao Toronto Ltd., Ontario governments sent endorsements Federation of Chinese Students & Sino Broadcasting Seven Cable Four to the rally. Afterwards, people Scholars in Canada, Design for Channel Forty Television and Essex Park Hotel. marched from Nathan Philips Square

Twelve thousand fans and more than DEMOCRACY - next page

14 UPDATE Sky Lee Canada: The Promise of Women's standards, the powers that be worked title Lee interweaves historical truths and History , Toronto, 1986). As the on getting rid of them as soon as they fictional dramas to create the sense of suggests (the name of a restaurant in could." a community rife with intrigue in was the inspiration for As a feminist and a Chinese which women must think up strategies the title), Lee is also protesting the Canadian who took part in protests to survive. Lee's contribution to disappearance of a way of life which against urban renewal (a phase in Canadian literature and to the she believes is being obliterated by Vancouver's Chinatown history), Lee understanding of Canadian history is white Canadians. has a strong message for people peppered with protest against the "One of the most compelling settling in a country dominated by misogyny not just of Chinese culture elements in this book, I find, is that it white Canadians of European origin but all cultures. She has written an portrays Chinatown to be small town who she believes are responsible for historical novel that traces the lives of Canada, which is exactly what the disappearance of cultures all over Chinese Canadian women in Chinatown is — in this case Chinatown the world. "It is very important for there maintain Chinatown. Lee's contribution fills a Vancouver. But have been them to their own sense of in void in a country where very little has many, many Chinatowns many being and their own love of been written about either the Oriental small centres all over B.C. at one themselves," she said. But as a writer, women of B.C. or Canadian point or another in history, in Lee has another message for Chinatowns (see Margaret Conrad, Cumberland, Nanaimo, Courtney, even Canadians, and especially for scholars: "'Sundays Always Make Me Think of Port Albemi," said Lee. "And I "I'd like to warn them and say watch Home,' Time and Place in Canadian suppose because Chinese were such an out for the passion, anger and Women's History," in Rethinking unwanted element by white Canadian intensity."

Perspective," was opened at the the Chinese government's top fugitive, Democracy Month Ontario College of Art and later gave a speech at the University of from previous page moved to the City Hall rotunda. Toronto. Mr. Wan's speech was Through their works, many well- considered one of the most informative respected artists, designers and art and clear-minded analyses the to the consulate of the People's of Republic of China. The seven educators from Canada and the U.S. democratic movement in China. On their perspectives thousand protestors stretched over a expressed on both occasions, audience members mile long and people constantly joined democracy. Another exhibition tour, donated funds for a Toronto based "1989," organized the - Press Herald, the march from the streets. The by newspaper Freedom commemorative rally and march took Federation for Democracy had a show Canadian Edition. Over $1 thousand in during 19 21. raised for the more than three and a half hours. Toronto May to was newspaper. 13th, Mr. Binyan, in Like the concert for democracy in On May Liu a The 1990 Democracy Month famous investigative writer who was Toronto was a remarkable success. China, it was also reported by all expelled the Chinese concert, the march, the arts and major press in Canada. by Communist The party in 1987, was invited the the speeches touched every In addition to the two major by Federation of Chinese Students participant's heart and will constantly activities, a number of art exhibitions & and speeches were organized by the Scholars in Canada to give a speech at remind people what happened at the University of Toronto. Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. Toronto Association for Democracy in An enthusiastic audience of over Dick Chan, chairman of the China and the Federation of Chinese 500 As the Sciences Toronto Association for Democracy in Students and Scholars in Canada packed Medical during Democracy Month 1990. On Auditorium to listen to Mr. Liu's China, put it: "As long as we do not speech. 20, again invited forget, the children of China will soon May 13, a children's drawing contest On May by the Federation of Chinese Students country where they will be called "Democracy Through the Eyes & see a new Scholars in Canada, Mr. able to determine their own destiny of a Child" was organized at Nathan Wan Runnan, secretary of the Federation for a democratically and where human rights Philip Square. On May 19, an art in Paris are truly valued." exhibition, "Democracy in Democratic China based and

the city planning department was provide a maximum of 720 dwellings Expo Site concerned about public accessibility to in buildings no taller than 285 feet. from page 13 \ the False Creek waterfront The cost They must also supply 25 percent clean up toxic waste on the land and of the delay was substantial, up to $25 family housing over the entire site, million, 144 units of social housing. in the water. according to a former BCEC and After the plan passed, Concord While the bidding process seemed official. However, the land itself gained value during the real Pacific acted quickly. On July 9, 802 to favor Li's company, things after the 1989/90 declared sale were not so smooth. The estate boom. In April, it was estimated days after sale, the company million official start of its development. company originally planned to have to be worth between $310 and an billion. first phase included ten-acre construction under way by December $1 The a 14, public park between Quebec, Keefer 1989. But, the rezoning proposal was On June Vancouver City council rezoning Streets and Pacific Boulevard. The not passed until June 1990. Public approved a CD-I Pacific said hearings were held and proposals were application for developing the land, a Vice-President of Concord site-specific tailor-made to the that the project would cost about $2 changed again and again. One factor bylaw intended form of development. Under billion and create more than 28 in the delay was the deletion of thousand year in Vancouver. islands and lagoons from the plan - the agreement, the developers will jobs a

UPDATE 15 What the Ads Say professional services. Almost ten to Hong Kong on Mother's day; a call by Chow Ying Wong percent were related to ethnic food, to advertise in a bilingual magazine Toronto eateries and entertainment. It should which promised access to the "high be noted that employment-related ads income professionals in Hong Kong Since large numbers of people only accounted for 1.4 percent of the and Taiwan"; language classes and from Hong Kong decided to make commercial coverage. tutoring services for children (very Canada their home, a new market has On closer inspection, many of the popular in Hong Kong). For those opened up for services designed to advertisements published during this seeking entertainment, there are tours make their lives easier. The period, offer services designed to favorite casinos in Atlantic City and advertisement of a product or service specifically for newcomers from Hong competitive rates to Hong Kong can be seen as an entrepreneur or Kong, particularly those who conform including accommodation packages. A service provider's attempt to cater to to the "typical" image of wealthy recently popular pastime in Hong the needs of prospective customers. immigrants. For instance, one of the Kong called karaoke and other high- The attempt is, of course, based on a ads by a bank offered special relief to tech features such as laser discs are set of assumptions or perceptions on the wives of "astronauts", promising advertised. the part of the seller. Advertisements that arranging a mortgage will be easy The entrepreneurs behind these ads published in the despite the absence of the husband. have isolated people from Hong Kong Newspaper between April and August Another reminds investors that they into a market, or group, with special 1990 reflect the perceived needs of are legally bound to fulfil their needs and desires. These ads capitalize this immigrant community. immigration agreement and the on the assumption that new immigrants Out of an average of 88.4 pages company will guarantee them a safe from Hong Kong maintain close ties published daily by Sing Tao during return. Indeed, about 1 percent of the to the country of origin, and that they this period, 80 percent or 72.5 pages ads explicitly offer investment are in search of a sense of were filled with ads. About one third opportunities, not only to immigrants, continuation, both culturally and

(34 percent) of these ads were related but to prospective ones overseas. It is socially. Members of a family may to the buying and selling of property, not unusual to find real estate ads be landed, but still have elderly the majority of which being which emphasize the proximity to parents and other extended relatives residential. Another 2.5 percent of the local "prestigious" schools. Others remaining in Hong Kong; the husband ads dealt with mortgage arrangements offer to buy properties in Hong Kong may need to travel regularly to Hong and options available, and another from immigrants already landed in Kong where part of the business seven percent associated with home Canada. continues to operate; alternatively, the renovation services. More than seven There are, of course, immigration entire extended family has emigrated, percent of the advertisements were consultants, traffic ticket/accident leaving no one to pay respect to the selling cars or offering different consultants and various kinds of para- ancestors. ..the services suggested in the packages of driving lessons. Another professionals offering services to new ads are trying to provide such seven percent offered attractive immigrants. Other services include linkages. travelling packages. About three visits to ancestors' graves in Hong But if people from Hong Kong and percent advertised for legal, accounting Kong, complete with a choice of entrepreneurs could get together and and other professional or para- religious ceremonies; sending flowers talk about real needs and real people,

I wonder what they'd say?

Workshop Hong Kong Conference Report from page 12 V During the final session of the day, chaired by Professor B. Michael Frolic Professors Donald McMillen and Daniel The first afternoon session University, issues as on of York such Kwan Yat-kau were the principal organizers of a Settlement Issues, chaired by Professor where Hong Kong fits into the major three-day conference on "China and Hong Graham Johnson of the University of international scene and how changing Kong at a Crossroads: Prospects for the 21st century." Held at Hong Kong Baptist College, British Columbia, looked at patterns of regional, economic and financial September 3-5, 1990, it gathered more than 150 settlement. Professor Johnson said that patterns will affect Kong Canada-Hong participants from H.K., , the PRC, Canada must be looked at as a relations as 1997 approaches, were Taiwan, Japan, the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and composite of regions with different raised and discussed. Professor Lary Canada. Paul Evans of York University represented the Canada and Hong Kong Project. responses to the settlement of people said that it is important for people in In his keynote address. Professor Wang from Hong Kong. Issues differ across the academic community to tackle Gungwu, Vice -Chancellor, Hong Kong the country and must be approached international issues relating to Hong University, outlined promising lines of new differently by researchers, he said. Kong's future because of the "policy research by a generation of young scholars in U.K., but also offered a somber assessment of Discussion centred on how to carry relevance" of this work. the prospects of independent scholarly research out quantitative research on the ethnic and activity after 1997. One sad piece of news - Stephanie Gould, who makeup of the Canadian population More than half of the fifty papers were played a major role in designing and setting up considering the difficulties of gathering delivered by H.K. based social scientists, several the project, has moved to Winnipeg, and so has of whom are collaborating on a long-term accurate statistics. Professor Lary said had to leave the project. We thank her for all project on "Hong Kong and Politics in the project would like to encourage her excllent work, and look forward to Transition." One focus of the project is a contributions from her for future updates, fanet graduate students to consider Hong detailed examination of political attitudes and Rubinoff will be joining the project in Kong issues and to coordinate with participation. The researchers emphasized their Stephanie's place. interest in cooperative research with Canadian other individuals, institutions or Piflna Lory scholars in examining the attitudinal and projects undertaking complementary behavioural changes that occur after H.K. research. residents emigrate overseas. 1

CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE 5 i^i^i^iM

Number 3 WINTKR 1991 Excerpts From the Hon. Barbara McDougall's Address Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, September 5, 1990

"Hong Kong has always seemed a bit of Kong. These lies are based, in part, on graduated from Canadian universities. an enigma to me. It's just a tiny patch of our shared economic interests. Over the This movement of people is, without land on the edge of China, with few if last ten years, the Asia-Pacific region has question, a good thing for both Canada any natural resources. Yet it has become become Canada's largest single trading and Hong Kong. It brings with it a a manufacturing giant and a household area outside of the United States. movement of ideas, an enrichment of our name throughout the Western But behind these ties are strong cultures, and new opportunities for hemisphere. human ties between Canada and Hong economic exchange and development.

It is one of the most modern urbanized Kong, stretching back well over a And it forms a human bond that will centres in the world and a major century. Canada's commitment to Hong endure and prosper well beyond the year international commercial centre. It's little Kong remains firm whether expressed in 1997. wonder that Hong Kong holds a special the movement of people or through grip on the world's imagination, it is a bilateral agreements with your A large proportion of Hong Kong symbol of entrepreneurial drive. And it is government. immigrants to Canada enter as part of the a gateway - not just to the "mysteries of The movement of people between our family stream of our programs. I've the Orient," but to the fastest growing countries is growing steadily. Over the already mentioned the growing numbers market in world trade today. past three years, more than 65,000 Hong of Hong Kong people who decide to

It's also little wonder that the largest Kong citizens have decided to make a come to Canada. Many of those have left foreign branch of Canada's largest new home in Canada. Moving the other close family behind. As far as possible, business organization - the Canadian way, well over 30,000 Canadians now we want to help those families come

Chamber of Commerce - is right here in live and work in Hong Kong and about together again in Canada. Hong Kong. Or that the Hong Kong 150,000 Canadians visit Hong Kong each

Canada Business Association, with 1 year. Hong Kong entrepreneurs and chapters and more than 3,000 members, We have about 15,000 Hong Kong investors are putting their faith in Canada is the largest bilateral group of its kind in students studying in our schools - more and investing heavily in Canadian our country. than a quarter of our total foreign student business and industry. By doing so, they Organizations like these attest to the population. Already more than 70,000 growing ties between Canada and Hong university graduates in Hong Kong McDougall's Address cont'd, page 2

Two Chinese-Canadian Development Projects in Richmond, B.C by Hugh Xiaobing Tan Vancouver

Two significant development projects, settled. Since it is estimated that one out financed by the Chinese Canadian of every three or four people living in the community in Vancouver, are the area are now of Chinese origin, International Buddhist temple and the Richmond was a logical place for this new Aberdeen Mall. Both are located in development. Richmond, a suburb south of Vancouver Located on Steveston Highway, the where many new immigrants from Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan, have recently B.C. Development cont'd, page 14 per F1029.5 H6 C36 McDoilgall's Address, from page 1 Kong. I cannot stress too strongly that We are working to set in place a wide

this speculation is false. network of bilateral agreements between are contributing directly to our economic Because the number of immigrants Hong Kong and Canada. The purpose of growth, and they are creating jobs in coming to Canada has been much higher this network will help to ensure that the areas where jobs are needed, as was than expected this year, we have been special relationships between Hong Kong intended. forced to temporarily slow down visa and Canada will remain in place after During consultations on immigration issuance. But this temporary slow down 1997. We have already begun work on

levels over the past year, I found support is not a cut back, and it is definitely not agreements involving film co-production,

for the Business Immigration program in aimed at Hong Kong. It applies mutual legal assistance and an exchange all parts of Canada. Concerns were universally to all countries, and it is program involving our two governments. expressed though about the need to intended to give our service and support Canada's commitment to Hong Kong encourage these immigrants to consider agencies time to adjust to the increased remains firm. We are determined to see other destinations in Canada besides the demands. We have taken, and we will Hong Kong prosper. Together, we will traditional ones of Montreal, Toronto and continue to take, whatever steps are work towards this goal." Vancouver. necessary to ensure that the flow of In addition, Canadians want to see the people into Canada is managed properly. Visits to and from intended benefits of this program In the case of Hong Kong, we are realized. They do not want to see people working to ensure that the thousands and Hong Kong simply using the program as a short-cut to thousands of immigrant and temporary by Diana Lary obtain a Canadian passport. As with visa applications are handled as Toronto anything new, there were some problems effectively as possible. Despite Hon. Barbara McDougall, Minister to be ironed out. But we have recently significant resource restraints, we have of Employment and Immigration, visited taken steps to improve the management been able to put extra resources into our Hong Kong from September 1st to 6th to and effectiveness of the program. Hong Kong office as part of our familiarize herself with the emigration We must protect the integrity of the commitment to better management of the situation there, and to talk about Canada's program by eliminating suspect immigration program. immigration program. (See Excerpts) investment plans and by discouraging Her comments were positive, but she unscrupulous operators. As you may We have strong and growing interests made it clear that there would be no know, new regulations for the investor in Hong Kong and its people - trade, special concessions from Canada on category were made public in August. education and most importantly, the delayed visas for Hong Kong emigrants These new regulations are not designed to people to people relationship. The to Canada. discourage the legitimate investor principles underlying our immigration immigrant - here in Hong Kong or policy towards Hong Kong are stability , Hong Kong legislative anywhere else - from coming to Canada. and continuity. The ties of family, which councillor, visited Canada from October Rather, they are intended to make it very strengthen daily, are the bedrock of our 25th to November 3rd. The theme of his clear to all business immigrants that we approach to Hong Kong and its people. expect from them a certain level of The most hopeful prospect for Hong commitment to Canada. The business Kong's future lies in increased program will continue, although not as a opportunities for Hong Kong citizens to dominant element of our immigration manage their own affairs. We encourage program. the rapid development of democratic We welcome the legitimate business institutions and processes within the immigrant and acknowledge that most are territory. prepared to invest for the benefit of their We care about what happens in Hong chosen country and to participate fully in Kong, and we have spoken out on various all aspects of Canadian life. In a general occasions. As Prime Minister Mulroney

sense, that is true for all immigrants to said last fall in Singapore, just before the

Canada, whatever category they may fall Commonwealth Heads of Government

under. A basic requirement for all Meetings, 'Hong Kong involves us all, as immigrants is that they share a we have to accept part of the visit was the promotion of confidence in commitment to Canada and to Canada's responsibility and provide some Hong Kong's future through the future. That is why we cannot and will leadership.' strengthening of democratic institutions not allow our immigration programs to be We strongly support and will continue and the protection of human rights. In used simply as a kind of 'insurance to work for Hong Kong's participation in Toronto he was given a luncheon by the policy.' the emerging web of regional institutions, Business Association There has been speculation in the including the Asia-Pacific Economic Hong Kong-Canada with faculty media recently that we are cutting back Cooperation and the Pacific Economic and had discussions on immigration, specifically from Hong Conference.

Visits cont'd, page 3

2 UPDATE

- Visits, from page 2 CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE Hong Kong et la Politique members of the Joint Centre for Asia d'Immigration du Quebec Editors Diana Lary Pacific Studies. Janet A. Rubinoff par Francis Allard Illustration & IMS Creative In Ottawa he met Justice Strayer, who Toronto Design Communications was involved in the drafting of Hong Contributors Francis Allard Jusqu'a l'an demier, e'est a Hong Kong's bill of rights, was hosted for Philip Calvert Kong que Ton trouvail lc plus important lunch by the Department of External Ho-yin Cheung bureau d'immigration du Qudbec a Affairs, met a number of DEA officials, Harriet Clompus l'dtrangcr, un poste desund a sollicitcr ct Henders including Raymond Chretien, Acting Susan a attirer les capitaux. Bien que Keung-sing Ho Undersecretary of State, and had dinner maintenant reldgues au second rang par Mark Rowswell with the Hong Kong Students' ceux de Paris, les services d'immigration Xiaobing Tan Hugh Association. He also met officials from du gouvernement quebecois a Hong the Justice Department, and spoke to the Canada and Hong Kong Update Kong continuent a jouer un role is published three times a year by the Canadian Institute for International Peace preponderant. En 1989, 48% des 2 851 Canada and Hong Kong Project, and Security about the future of Hong dossiers approuvds pour l'obtention des Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, Kong. He held talks with a group of Certificats selection Suite 200K, de du Qudbcc (CSQ) members of parliament led by John Administrative Studies Bldg. dans le «territoire» de Hong Kong Bosley, chairman of the Standing York University, 4700 Keele St.. (comprenant la Coree et Taiwan mais Committee on External affairs. North York, Ontario, dont le volume est moindre par rapport a CANADA M3J 1P3 In Vancouver he met the deputy Hong Kong proprement dit) dtaient des Telephone: (416) 736-5784 mayor, members of the Hong Kong- dossiers de «gens d'affaires», e'est-a-dire Fax: (416)736-5687 Canada Business Association, visited the des investisseurs et des entrepreneurs. Asia Pacific Foundation, and talked to Ces donnees contrastent avec celles de Opinions expressed in this newsjoumal Chinese students, writers and scholars. In l'ensemble des autres postes du Quebec a are those of the author alone. Victoria he met Lieutenant Governor l'etranger, ou seulement 12% des «dossiers CANADA AND HONG KONG PROJECT David Lam and had discussions with approuv6s» entrent dans cette categoric provincial officials. Throughout his visit Guide par une politique d'immigration Director Diana Lary he was interviewed by national and local visant en partie a ralentir le decroissement Coordinator Janet A. Rubinoff media. demographique auquel il fait presentement Advisory Board David Bond face, le Quebec explique que son intention Denise Chong Sir David Ford, Chief Secretary of est d'etablir des services d'immigration la Maurice Copithome the Hong Kong Government, was in ou l'interet se fait sentir. La presence a Bernie Frolic Dr. Vancouver and Victoria from November John Higginbotham Hong Kong demeure toutefois 14th to 16th to promote Hong Kong. His Graeme McDonald essentiellement economique. Dans un remarks were generally hopeful and Dr. T.G. McGee communique^ de presse recent intitule' reassuring about the future of Hong Jules Nadeau immigrants gens d'affaires a Hong Kong, Dr. William Saywell Kong. Quebec maintient ses objectifs», la Dr. Wang Gungwu Hon. Pierre Cadieux, the Solicitor ministre des CommunauuSs culturelles et We want to thank the Dormer Canadian l'lmmigration General, made a brief visit to Hong Kong de du Quebec, Mme Foundation for its very generous support disaiu «Je in November, and signed an agreement Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, which has made this project possible. The crois qu'en augmentant de facon Foundation's long-standing interest in with the Hong Kong Government calling ressourccs Canada's international relations with Asia for increased cooperation in combatting significative le personnel et les has enabled us to conduct research which drug smuggling. du Service d'immigration a Hong Kong au we consider to be of great significance for cours des demieres annees, le Quebec a eu of Prince Edward the future of the country. Premier Joe Ghiz 1 'occasion de dehiontrer a quel point ces Island visited Hong Kong in November candidats nous int6ressenL» Toute to open a PEI office there. An officer for evaluation des tendances futures a propos In This Issue... Newfoundland has been attached to the de l'lmmigration des gens de Hong Kong 1 Eight out of the ten McDougall Address Commission. vers le Qudbec doit toutefois tenir compte Richmond Development Projects 1 provinces now have representation in non seulement des facteurs economiqucs 3 Immigration to Quebec Hong Kong, and the other two (New prevalants, mais aussi des courants Airport Development Scheme 5 Scotia) are Brunswick and Nova culturels et linguistiques exislant au sein de Immigration Statistics 6 the office of the Council represented by la societe quebecoise. 7 Destinations of Maritime Premiers. This is a higher Le probleme demographique auquel Media in Hong Kong 8 level representation than any other city of fait face le Quebec depuis deja plusieurs UK Nationality Package 10 in the world. annees est le resultat d'un taux de Statistical Imponderables 12 British Ministers 13 Quebec cont'd, page 4

UPDATE 3 Quebec, from page 3 Qudbec de maintenir le montant recente entre Ottawa et le Qudbec en d'investissement minimum a $250 000 matiere d' immigration comprend naissance faible, d'une population (par opposition aux $350 000 requis pour justement le transfert a cette province de vieillissante, et aussi d'une immigration qui certaines autres provinces) a ete bien tous les programmes fdddraux ne reflete pas son poids demographique a recue par les fonctionnaires de d'intdgration linguistique, culturelle et l'interieur du Canada (26%). Par exemple, 1'immigration de la Delegation du economique. II faut aussi signaler qu'a en 1989, le Qudbec ne recevaitque 17,7% Quebec a Hong Kong: on se dit confiant Hong Kong meme, un nombre de tous les immigrants arrivant au pays. que le Quebec pourra ainsi demeurer une grandissant de personnes suivent des Visant a corriger cette disproportion, la destination attrayante pour les cours a l'Alliance Francaise dans le but nouvelle entente entre le gouvernement investisseurs de Hong Kong. evident d'amdliorer leurs chances d'etre federal et le Quebec garantit a ce dernier un Pierre Saint-Louis, avocat specialise admis au Quebec. De plus, dans ces minimum de 25 a 30% des nouveaux en immigration et domicilid a Hong Kong memes dcoles, le Qudbec a lui-meme mis immigrants. Une telle augmentation est depuis quelques annees, observe le sur pied un programme de Iangue destine salutaire sur le plan demographique. On phenomene d'une diminution marquee a faire connaitre des elements de la doit toutefois tenir compte du contexte dans la «qualite economique* des culture quebecoise a ceux qui ddtiennent economique et d'une population Hongkongais interesses a investir au ddja un CSQ. Bien que positives et quebecoise de plus en plus irritde par Quebec. L'avocat montrdalais ajoute que encourageantes, ces demarches ne l'inhabilete de plusieurs nouveaux le Quebec est maintenant plus selectif peuvent quand meme pas garantir de immigrants a s'intdgrer a la majorite dans le choix des investisseurs et des facon absolue que le nouvel arrivant de francophone. entrepreneurs. Jusqu'a maintenant, la Hong Kong voudra bien s'dtablir de En 1989, malgrd un objectif fixd a 40% perception de plusieurs de ces «gens fa?on permanente dans la province d'immigrants francophones, seulement d'affaires* a Hong Kong etait que les francophone et assimiler sa culture. 28,4% des nouveaux venus parlaient chances d'obtenir un visa pour le Canada En 1989, plus de 20% de tous les CSQ francais, tandis que 34,1% parlaient dtaient meilleures si Ton s'adressait a la dtaient dmis a Hong Kong. Dans un l'anglais et que 49,6% ne parlaient ni l'un delegation du Quebec plutot qu'au avenir rapproche, il est probable que le ni l'autre. A cause des problemes Commissariat du Canada. Le fait que le gouvernement du Qudbec s'intdressera engendres par plusieurs de ces derniers, il Quebec devienne plus vigilant envers ces moins a ces moins a ces immigrants. n'est pas surprenant que le Quebec, «gens d'affaires* est surement lid au fait Cette annde, on ne prevoit qu'une ldgere desirant affirmer avec plus d'emphase que qu'un bon nombre d'entre eux (pres des diminution du nombre de CSQ dmis a jamais son identitd culturelle, s'engage deux tiers, selon certains), n'y sejournent Hong Kong (par rapport a plus de 8 000 maintenant a attirer une plus grande qu'une breve pdriode de temps avant en 1990), mais il faut souligner qu'il y proportion d'immigrants francophones de d'aller s'installer a Toronto ou a aura en fait une augmentation du nombre pays comme la France et la Belgique. Bien Vancouver ou existent d'importantes total d'immigrants que le Qudbec s'attend qu'il soit difficile de prdvoir les rdsultats, il communautds chinoises. Bien que ces arecevoiren 1991. semble bien que la grille de selection investisseurs doivent ddposer $250 000 En vue du regain d'interet du Quebec uulisde par le Qu6bec dans son choix chez un courtier reconnu au Qudbec, pour une immigration provenant des pays d'immigrants dits «inddpendants» puisse aucune loi ne les empeche d'aller vivre francophones de 1' Europe, du l'aider a atteindre ses objectifs. Certains ailleurs au pays. Plutot que de servir de mecontentement de plus en plus grand des predisent que cette grille, dans laquelle sont simple porte d'entree au reste du pays, le Quebecois, et du refus d'une bonne partie presentement alloues des points pour la Quebec aimerait mieux profiter des Hongkongais de s'dtablir de facon «langue» et r«adaptabilitd», sera bientot pleinement du dynamisme des hommes permanente au Qudbec, on peut prevoir modifiee dans le but de donner au d'affaires du Manhattan de l'Asie. que leur pouvoir d'investissement dans la processus de selection une flexibility Personne ne doute du fait que les province demeurera leur principal atout. encore plus grande. immigrants de Hong Kong sont en grande Au cours des prochaines annees, non

Comment situer l'immigrant de Hong majoritd de vaillants travailleurs; ils seulement peut-on s'attendre a une

Kong dans ce contexte? En premier lieu, il n'abusent que rarement des services diminution de la «qualite dconomique» de va sans dire que les considdrations sociaux offerts aux Canadiens. Ils sont ceux qui n'ont pas encore rdussi a quitter dconomiques jouent encore un role toutefois moins portds a s'intdgrer a la Hong Kong de facon definitive, mais il important Au cours de sa conference de culture quebecoise francophone que les faudra dgalement considdrer les problemes presse a Hong Kong, en aout dernier, Mme autres minorites. Jean Larue, chef de la soulevds par les demandes de rdunion de Monique Gagnon-Tremblay declarait «Je section Asie du ministere de famille (faites par les Hongkongais qui puis vous assurer, qu'en 1990, nous l'lmmigration a Montreal, souligne que le resident ddja au Qudbec). Pour des raisons sclectionnerons au moins le meme nombre Quebec, tout en visant maintenant a humanitaires, la majorite de ces requetes d'immigrants gens d'affaires que par les sdlectionner des candidats susceptibles de sont acceptdes. Les beneficiaires de ce anndes prdcddentes.(...) J'ai aussi precisd mieux s'intdgrer, entreprend dgalement programme auront tendance a demeurer que nos objectifs de selection pour 1990 de pourvoir aux besoins des nouveaux avec leurs proches au Qudbec, c'est

sont les memes qu'en 1989.» immigrants afin de les convaincre qu'ils certain, mais il s'agit toutefois d'un groupe Par ailleurs, la decision recente du sont les bienvenus au Qudbec et qu'ils plus agd qui a plus de difficultd a se gouvernement fdddral de permettre au pourront y prospdrer. A ce sujet, l'entente trouver des emplois.

4 UPDATE Notre analyse nous porte done a nombre de «parents aidds.» Quoi qu'il en have indicated that Beijing privately predirc non seulemcnt unc rdduction dans soit, une fois vidd de ses riches citoyens. recognizes the need for the project and ce mouvement migratoire vers le Quebec, Hong Kong deviendra certainement, dans that their public criticisms reflect a mais egalement un changement dans le les annees a venir, une source moins genuine desire to be more frequently and

type d'immigranis admis dans cette attrayante d'immigranis. thoroughly consulted on its development. province. On peut s'allcndre a une Earlier in the autumn, Hong Kong diminution du nombre de «gens Je remercie Jules Nadeau pour son aide Governor Sir David Wilson had stated he d'affaires» et a une augmentation dans le dans la redaction de eel article. felt that Beijing was warming to the

project. Lu Ping's predecessor, Ji Pengfei,

told a visiting Hong Kong delegation in Hong Kong's Port and Airport Development Scheme September that Beijing had agreed to the by Philip Calvert project "in principle". One Hong Kong- Ottawa based senior official in the New China

Hong Kong is embarking on an wanted to see a detailed financial and News Agency apparently confirmed that ambitious and expensive project involving engineering analysis. the project would go ahead "eventually" the construction of a new airport and Tensions between the two governments because China has "no choice" - a container shipping complex on Lantau were also heightened when Hong Kong statement echoed by officials in Beijing. island. A massive undertaking, which will announced invitations for bids on the China's Guangdong province, in a involve extensive land reclamation on fixed crossing component of the project. separate move, has already expressed its Lantau as well as construction of a fixed The situation became even more approval, reportedly in exchange for crossing, the US S16.3 billion project has complicated when of guaranteed labour and raw materials become a subject of public disagreement Hopewell Holdings, who had been contracts. between the governments of Hong Kong involved in initial planning of the project There is no doubt that a new airport is and Beijing. This has cast something of a since 1986, publicly criticized this move, needed in Hong Kong. The main issue cloud over the financing of the project. saying that the fixed project component seems to be Beijing's desire to have more In addiuon to the economic aspects of could be replaced by less expensive of a say in the project for reasons of PADS (Port and Airport Development alternative links. He fiuther criticized the economics, politics and international Scheme), the project has a great deal of Hong Kong government for not consulting prestige. Nevertheless, interested parties

political symbolism. Undertaking a project as widely as it might have on the project. should not be complacent; controversy of this magnitude in the shadow of Hong Kong's position was also between the two governments and delays

China's takeover of the colony in 1997 is undermined by Lord Caithness, the newly in Beijing's expression of approval of the in part an attempt to express optimism for appointed British Minister responsible for project may delay financing from the the future of Hong Kong as a Special Hong Kong, who stated in early October private sector and, thus, drag out the Administrative Region of China. Thus, the that the project would be a "liability" for implementation of the new airport and disagreement between Hong Kong and China after 1997 and that they ought to be port scheme. Nor should Chinese Beijing over the project has strong political consulted more on the project. domestic politics be ignored. The outcome overtones and reflects the complex Later the same month, perhaps in of the current power struggle at the upper dimension which 1997 adds to economic response to this pressure, experts from levels of the Chinese government may and policy decisions taken in the 1990's. both governments met for eleven days in have an impact on its stance on the project Scheduled for completion in 1997, Hong Kong to review the project. The as well.

PADS is to be funded from a combination atmosphere, from all reports, was more One thing is certain. When the project of surplus reserves in Hong Kong and cordial than might have been expected in goes ahead, international competition for a private sector financing from international light of the acrimonious statements piece of the action is going be intense.

banks. In public statements, Hong Kong leading up to it. However, after the Attracted by the opportunities they see in

originally maintained that the project is a meetings the Chinese side let it be known PADS, a number of Canadian companies in local economic matter. However, it that while they were still considering the are actively marketing their capabilities softened this position when several project, they remained "unconvinced" of engineering, aerospace and financial representatives of the Beijing government the feasibility of the scheme. For about six management and have travelled to Hong

(including Zhou Nan, head of the New weeks, it seemed that confidence in the Kong in January to participate in Airport China News Agency's Hong Kong office project was building again until Lu Ping, discussions on the scheme. Canadian and the highest-ranking Chinese official in the new director of Beijing's Hong Kong governments, at the federal and (in one Hong Kong) protested that the project and Macao Affairs Office, publicly stated case) the provincial level, are actively would be a liability for China as the that Hong Kong's pursuit of the project involved in mobilizing Canadian financial implications of the project risked the financial stability of the colony resources, an indication that the project is

extended well beyond 1997 and urged that and its currency. He demanded that being taken as a serious and potentially lucrative opportunity. one will feel it be delayed. Further, they argued Hong Beijing be given a say in the membership No Kong had not been keeping Beijing of the body overseeing the project. really secure though until Hong Kong and informed on the project. Before issuing Despite the strength of this public Beijing come to some kind of agreement any statement approving the project, they stand, officials involved in the process on the issue.

UPDATE 5 Immigration to Canada, 1990 by Diana Lary Toronto

During 1990, interest in Hong Kong in migrating to Canada remained strong. As applications continue at high levels, a major concern in Hong Kong will be the back-log. The average processing time, the period between making a formal application, including medicals, and the final disposition of a case, was 288 days

in 1988. By 1989 it had risen to 384 days, and by 1990 to 461 days. The future processing time will depend on the number of applications.

Immigrant applications screened, by class, Hong Kong - 1990*

Family Hungary THE EMIGRANT Destinations One new potential destination, still only The emigration from Hong Kong has at the general proposal level, is Budapest. In the continuing emigration from Hong spawned an emigration industry. Much Kong, changes in immigration policies The mayor of Budapest is said to have of its activity is reflected in the pages of come up with a proposal to establish a for receiving countries get close attention The Emigrant, a glossy, highly Hong Kong enclave on an island in the in the territory. These are some of the professional magazine published changes noted over the past six months. Danube. monthly by Trade Media. It is directed at middle-class professionals in Hong Changes in US Policy Kong and Taiwan, and aims to provide On October 28th the US Congress passed Immigration Policy information and analysis on emigration a new immigration bill which will have Canada's global ceiling for possibilities. The magazine is put important effects for Hong Kong. immigration, which was 180,000 for together by an eight person team in

Amongst many provisions, most of which 1990, is to be raised to 220,000 for Hong Kong with contributions from are global, the bill increases the number 1991 and 250,000 for the next four about thirty free-lancers abroad. It does of Hong Kong residents who can years. Although the global figure not specifically encourage emigration. emigrate to the States from the present makes no specific reference to Hong On its masthead is the statement: "This 5,000 p.a. to 10,000, until 1994, and Kong, unlike the new US magazine neither advocates nor thereafter to 27,000. Part of the increase immigration policy (see discourages emigration. Its purpose is to will be taken up by people already in the DESTINATIONS), the higher figure offer information so that people can States who have not yet reached their turn can only be helpful to people make their own choice". on the previous quotas. Special wanting to move here from Hong In the two years since it started (the provisions are to be made for employees Kong. There will not, however, be first issue appeared on the auspicious of the US Consulate, American any special programmes for Hong date of August 8th, 1988), its size has companies trading in Hong Kong, and Kong, such as delayed visas or an expanded from 102 pages (42 employees of the Foreign Broadcast expansion of the family and/or advertising) to 140 pages (74 Information Service. Some of those assisted relative class. Potential advertising) for 1990. The largest granted visas in the future will have the Hong Kong immigrants may be section of the magazine is devoted to option of entering the States at any time affected by the raising of the Destinations, which gives detailed up to 2001. This provision is designed to minimum amount needed to qualify descriptions of life and opportunities in encourage people, especially those as an investor immigrant - now countries which receive immigrants. At employed by US companies, to stay in $250,000. The new levels were first the section concentrated on Hong Kong as long as possible. announced as Canada was officially Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the entering a recession, but there has United States, but after June, 1989, the

Dominican Republic been little protest over their raising. range of countries covered was

The Dominican Republic is one of a expanded to include previously less number of Caribbean countries which are desirable destinations such as Tonga and encouraging the immigration of Hong Emigration Rate Belize. These articles are very specific; in the November, 1990 issue, for Kong residents. For an investment of The Hong Kong government example, the major article on Canada is USS50,000 and a six month stay in the believes that the rate of emigration about Markham, Ontario. country, landed immigrant status may be is easing. The number of people acquired which, after years, The magazine always includes at two may be seeking US and Canadian visas is least one article on an emigrant's transformed into citizenship. declining slightly. At the same time experience abroad. The November issue the number of people returning to looks at Andrea Eng, an outstandingly Tonga Hong Kong may be higher than was successful real estate agent in Investors may acquire a "protected previously estimated. Up to 30% of Vancouver. One section of the magazine person passport," which gives them a those who go abroad already have or is devoted to current emigration certificate of nationality but not will return after they have acquired regulations from various countries; the citizenship. Until June, 1990, such foreign citizenship. Mrs. Regina occupational rating for independent passports could only be acquired on Yip, Deputy Director of immigrants to Canada, for example, is payment of a lump sum; payments can Administration, reported these updated regularly. Though the magazine now be made on an instalment basis estimates in December. She made it is bilingual, much of the advertising is spread over three years. The total sum clear that these figures were in Chinese only. The advertisers range involved is USS1 1 ,868 for an individual "guesstimates," since there are no from emigration consultants, to schools or 522,550 for a family. Protected firm figures either for the total and universities, to moving companies. persons are not required to move to number of visa applicants or for Circulation Office: Dataford Ltd., Tonga but are encouraged to visit. returnees (Hong Kong Digest, Block A, 13/F, Vita Tower, 29 Wong December 19, 1990). Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong

UPDATE 7 Precarious Future of the Media in Hong Kong by Susan Menders Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong faces no serious organizations's editorials and their opinion while the rest (known locally as in the "mosquito" press) devote themselves challenges to its role as Asia's press and bosses' behaviour, Chan said an that the to entertainment, gossip and horse racing publishing centre, it may now confront interview. "They know Chinese - including threats from within. Britain's legacy of government remembers, that the Chinese tips. Dozens of magazines colonial laws, China's intimidation government will punish them, if not now, locally-headquartered international campaign against local media, and self- then later." publications like the Asian Wall Street the Eastern censorship threaten what is regarded as Self-censorship is a problem for media Journal, Asiaweek and Far an island of press freedom in the sea of around the world, but conditions in Hong Economic Review - two television intolerant regimes that govern much of Kong could make local reporters stations (each with English and East and Southeast Asia. particularly vulnerable to its influence. Cantonese channels) and two radio "I don't necessarily think Beijing is Lorraine Hahn, a Canadian journalist networks (also with both English and going to send in the big guns in 1997," reporting for Hong Kong's privately Cantonese stations) compete for Cliff Bale, an executive committee owned TVB, says salaries are generally consumers in this city of almost six member of the Hong Kong Journalists low, so reporters tend to be young and million inhabitants. New satellite Association, said in an interview. "It's inexperienced. Management styles are television stations and a third radio the subtle stuff that is really damaging - hierarchical and reporters have little network are in the planning stages. the intimidation and currying favour in influence over editorial decisions. "We have a market place of ideas in it is very competitive, media circles. China is already doing Hong Kong's media are no stranger to Hong Kong and that." the pressures of Chinese politics. Over stretching from the far right to the far Barry Wain, editor of the Hong Kong- the past century, the colony has played left," Chan claims. "Hong Kong has based Asian Wall Street Journal, says host to dozens of partisan newspapers always been a publication hotbed and local media began accommodating taking advantage of its liberal press now it is becoming a communications Beijing's new role almost immediately climate to wage propaganda wars. Even centre for Asia too." after Britain and China signed the 1984 today, both the Mainland-based Chinese Chan also maintains that this Joint Declaration, the agreement under Communist Party and its rival, the competitiveness and diversity could which China will regain sovereignty over Taiwan-based Nationalist Party, continue inhibit the extent and speed of the the colony in 1997. In response to to own, subsidize or maintain close links Chinese government's ability to muzzle banquets, gifts and other enticements with local newspapers. its media critics after 1997. As long as offered by Beijing officials, relief that According to Chin-Chuan Lee of the local media businesses are governed by China would not retake the territory by School of Journalism and Mass market forces and there is consumer force or just plain fear of reprisals, local Communication at the University of appetite for dissenting voices, some news editorialists became visibly less critical of Minnesota, it was not until 1970 that organizations will take a critical editorial the Beijing regime, Wain told a gathering Hong Kong newspapers moved beyond position if only to attract customers. The of the Asia-Pacific Foreign Exchange their preoccupation with Chinese politics growing number of media companies Assembly in Hong Kong. Reporters have - in particular, the Communist- listed on the stock exchange could be less avoided topics that might upset the Nationalist battle - to pay significant vulnerable to political pressure because Chinese government. attention to local Hong Kong affairs. they have to answer to profit conscious With China's carrot and stick tactics Today several market-oriented shareholders, even if their proprietors very much on their mind, many newspapers with "centrist" Hong Kong succumb to Beijing's co-optive efforts. journalists fear that self-censorship is perspectives, but no binding partisan ties, Foreign owned media organizations and already eating away at the freedom and dominate local circulation wars. A those headquartered or with assets independence of the media. In a recent significant amount of space is still offshore could also be less susceptible to survey of local journalists, Joseph Man reserved for the discussion of Chinese pressure. New television and radio Chan, a lecturer in the Journalism and politics which is of salient concern for channels will soon make the territory's Communications Department at the Hong Kong citizens. electronic media market more Chinese University of Hong Kong, found At the same time Joseph Man Chan competitive as well. "What all these add that about half of the respondents said maintains that this highly charged up to is growth in pluralism in our they thought other journalists were political atmosphere has helped make channels of media communication," Chan apprehensive when they wrote reports Hong Kong one of the most competitive says, and "pluralism means it is more critical of the Chinese government print media markets in the world. While difficult to curtail press freedom." About 20 per cent said they themselves two newspaper cities are a rarity in Paradoxically, however, this were apprehensive about writing such Canada, Hong Kong readers can chose increasingly lively communications hub stories. Reporters pick up cues about from more than 60 newspapers, about 20 sits atop a foundation of less-than-liberal what is politically acceptable from their of which concentrate on news and colonial laws and a non-democratic, if

8 UPDATE benign government. Hong Kong's British spreading rumours about Mainland William Overholt, a regional strategist rulers have permitted a very significant politics and undermining confidence in with Bankers Trust Securities Research, degTec of media freedom, defined in the territory's future. concludes that the "Chinese government terms of an absence of official censorship "The local press has taken the full has moved so far toward a hard line thai and of government persecution of media. brunt of what is nothing less than a it is raising legitimate doubts about

Yet, a wide range of ordinances still give heavy-handed intimidation campaign," whether freedom of press and opinion the government broad authority to do Wain maintains. "Peking has moved to after 1997 will be adequate to sustain such things as ban or edit television regain control of its own propaganda information-intensive businesses such as programmes, prohibit the broadcast of apparatus in Hong Kong while employing regional banking, stockbroking, and false news, censor films deemed every tactic from continuing seduction to publishing, and also to sustain a large prejudicial to relations with China, obtain punishment and even dirty tricks to population of the kinds of sensitive, search warrants and prohibit public convince journalists that there is only one opinionated, highly educated individuals entertainment. way to report - and that is China's way." who are the principal resource of such These laws are seldom used. However, Finding a way to address China's businesses." fearing they could prove formidable legitimate concerns about the territory At this point, no other city in the weapons against the media in the hands being used to subvert the Beijing region has the combination of good of a less liberal government after 1997, government, without jeopardizing Hong facilities and press freedom that would the Hong Kong Journalists Association Kong's freedoms and autonomy, will be allow it to replace Hong Kong's financial and others have called for government difficult in practice. As Chan maintains, centre role, but this could change, action to repeal or amend them before the "China has a mentality of controlling Overholt warned the American Chamber transfer of sovereignty. The government everything. They think that when they of Commerce. "Depending on the attitude is currently reviewing its ordinances for can control Hong Kong, then 'one of Beijing, Hong Kong's long-term compliance with the territory's proposed country, two systems' will work. But attractiveness in this area could weaken new bill of rights. "We have a sort of control is the very thing that will destroy substantially at a time when one can benevolent dictatorship here now, but Hong Kong." imagine possible improvements in these laws could be used to severely In the end, it could be a dollars and Singapore or Bangkok. This is a role repress the press after 1997," maintains cents argument that proves most Hong Kong can lose. China will certainly Cliff Bale, who covers the Hong Kong- persuasive in convincing China and its be tempted to curb 'slander' and Beijing affairs beat for the publicly- conservative Hong Kong business allies 'rumours' about China, as Lee Kwan owned Radio Television Hong Kong. to put up with the territory's liberal media Yew currently does in Singapore." Both Bale and Chan point to the traditions. Chan and Bale argue that a urgent need for access to information decline in press freedom would not only Reference: Chin-Chuan Lee and Joseph legislation to aid journalists' and other hamper the activities of film making, Man Chan, Mass Media and Political citizens' efforts to obtain information publishing, television production and Transition: The Hong Kong Press in about government policies. 'The media other profitable industries in Hong Kong, China's Orbit, will be published by can say what it wants about the it would hurt Hong Kong's position as a Guilford Press, New York in April, 1991. government, but the closed nature of the regional financial centre. colonial government system means they have trouble finding out enough information to be able to report Report from Britain effectively," Bale argues. Access to by Harriet Clompus information legislation will be critical London after 1997 because Hong Kong's government will not be fully accountable In the past few months, there has been drop sanctions imposed on China after to citizens through direct elections. litde British press coverage of Hong Tiananmen. Indicative of the growing The Beijing government's actions Kong issues, partly because the Gulf relaxation of the prohibition on high level since June 4th have done little to inspire crisis and the recent British leadership contacts, the British Foreign Minister, confidence in media circles, according to election have dominated the media. Douglas Hurd, met in October with his Barry Wain. China has curbed Hong Another factor is that since passage of the Chinese counterpart, in New Kong journalists' access to reporting on British Nationality (H.K.) Bill, the Hong York. Mainland affairs through visa restrictions, Kong question is largely seen by the In early November, a statement was blacklisting individual journalists and Government as setded. issued by the Chinese ambassador to indicating that publications and other controls. It fired One effect of the Gulf crisis has been Britain, Ji Chaozu, Hong the publisher, who had sided with the the rapprochement between Beijing and Kong had nothing to fear from 1997. students during the democracy movement the West - an objective, Britain has Several weeks later on November 19th, in 1989, of the locally-based but actively sought On September 29, 1990, Tian Zengpei, the Chinese Deputy Mainland-controlled the U.K. submitted a proposal at a Foreign Minister, arrived in Britain for a newspaper. Furthermore, China has meeting of the European Community's openly attacked Hong Kong media for Asian Group of Political Directors to Britain, cont'd page 11

UPDATE 9 1

Controversy Over UK Nationality Package and Residency Rules by Ho-yin Cheung and Keung-sing Ho Hong Kong

While the UK Nationality Act refers women of child-bearing age also (BDTC) passports. In order to retain their only to the acceptance of 50,000 heads of indicated that those who were better residency status in the UK, those who household as emigrants from Hong Kong, educated tend to have fewer children, on hold such passports must now convince the British Government originally the average 1.4. The overwhelming immigration officers that they are seeking estimated that a total of 225,000 majority of these women were married to admission to Britain for the purpose of passports would actually be issued under professional, well-educated men - to permanent settlement. Prior to the the nationality package. The total would whom most of the 50,000 UK passports amendment, people who acquired

include all the spouses and children of the will be issued. Taking account of a indefinite leave to enter or stay in Britain primary emigrants. This figure of percentage of bachelors and using the 1 .4 were allowed to re-enter the UK as long 225,000 was first mentioned by British figure for children, Dr. Kwong estimated as they had not been away for more than Home Secretary, Douglas Hurd, when he a more accurate figure of only 150,000 two years. Essentially the change in the announced the Right of Abode scheme in passports to be issued. law has meant that Hong Kong people the House of Commons in December Canadian and American consulate who have residency rights in Britain

1989. Although it has generally been officials have confirmed that this lower cannot retain this status if they return to accepted by the Hong Kong press, there estimate corresponds to their own figures their careers in Hong Kong.

is now growing evidence to doubt such a on the average size of Hong Kong In May and June of 1990, 570 people, high estimate. families emigrating to their countries. who hold BDTC passports and are In November 1990, Dr. Paul Kwong The Canadian Commission estimates 2.8 thereby entitled to residency status in the Chun-kuen of the Chinese University as the average nuclear family size while UK, entered Britain without difficulty. indicated that the actual figures would be the US consulate uses a figure of 3. However last June, one Hong Kong closer to 158,000 and possibly even How the now disputed UK figure of resident failed to convince British lower. To arrive at this revised figure, he 225,000 passports was arrived at remains immigration officers that he intended to used the 1986 census tabulations that list unclear. A Home Office spokesman has settle there. As a result his residency right average household size, according to the conceded the final number might be less was removed. Last September, Hong occupation of head of household. The UK than the original estimate which was only Kong Executive and Legislative estimate of 225,000 suggests an average intended to be a maximum figure. Councillors met with Lord Caithness, the Hong Kong family size of 4.5 members, Furthermore, British government officials British Foreign Minister with considerably higher than the actual 1986 in both London and Hong Kong have responsibility for Hong Kong, to discuss census figure of 3.8 for those in a higher confirmed that the 225,000 estimate was this problem and the stricter requirements income bracket. As Dr. Kwong only meant to refer to those receiving for settlement in the UK. While Lord concluded, "It seems like they just picked passports in the run up to 1997, and does Caithness claimed the above was an

that number out of the air. It's very easy not include the distant future. exceptional incident, Lady Dunn just to talk in terms of 2.5 kids." The May 1990 amendment to the UK recognized that there was a potentially

Computer analysis of a 1987 Family residency rules has also caused potential serious problem as it was not possible to

Planning Association survey of 1,51 difficulties for those who hold Hong tell whether this was an isolated incident Kong British Dependency Territory or a trend.

Applications for British Citizenship

The application procedures for people general occupational class, 13,000 for sure that the citizenships are allocated who may apply for British citizenship are disciplined and sensitive services, and 500 fairly, 200 points will be deducted from an now under way, and the process of for entrepreneurs. Eighty-seven per cent applicant who already holds another selection will start soon. The application of places will be dispersed in the first citizenship. The large number of points to

date is February 28, 1991. Applications phase and the rest at an unspecified later be allocated under 'special circumstances'

are open to people ordinarily resident in date. is to ensure that people most necessary to Hong Kong who hold some form of A point system rather like the Canadian the running of Hong Kong will stay as

British-connected passport or who as one for independent immigrants will be long as possible. It covers people in holders of certificates of identity, applied used, with the following categories and occupations where there has been 'an for naturalization before July 26, 1990. maximum number of points: age (200), exceptional propensity' to emigrate (75), Applications are only open to a head of experience (150), education and training people who have shown 'exceptional family, his or her spouse, and children (150), special circumstances (150), merit' (50), or people who have

under 1 8 at the time of application; there proficiency in English (50), connections in committed acts of bravery (25). This is not

is no provision for parents or for other the UK (50), public or community service a process for the faint-hearted; the relatives. There are 36,200 places for the (50), for a total of 800. In order to make application form is 32 pages long.

10 UPDATE Hong Kong Coverage in Beijing transfer assets more freely and granting autonomy of management. Clearly, by Mark Rowswell Beijing hopes that Hong Kong will play Beijing an important role in investment and technology transfer in mainland News about Hong Kong that appears in China, according to a report development projects. the mainland Chinese press tends to consist Hong Kong and the mainland have However, Hong Kong's own mega- of short reports on how well the local been each other's largest trading partners projects are a major concern for Beijing. economy and cooperation with the since 1985, and the "we need each other" A December article in China Daily, under mainland are progressing. This regular theme is often repeated in the Chinese the headline "HK urged not to fund large trickle of good news was interrupted twice press. Deputy Director of the Hong Kong projects," failed to mention the enormous during the latter half of 1990, by reports on and Macao Affairs Office, Chen Baoyin, (US$16.3 billion) Hong Kong airport the Hongkong Bank's decision to move its predicted "brighter times ahead" for project, but it was clear that this was domicile to Britain and Beijing's reaction Hong Kong. Chen boasted that China's precisely the source of Beijing's worries. to the Hong Kong airport project. Still, the reforms and opening "had become one of The Chinese government has repeatedly reader is left to decipher what the real the major factors which had brought balked at the cost of this project, news is between the lines of Chinese press about the rapid growth of the Hong Kong reiterating that Hong Kong's financial reports. economy in the 1980's." With China reserves should not be drastically Hong Kong's economic growth was providing the base for economic depleted. The need for a new airport has reported to be modest but "healthy by development, Hong Kong will become an not been questioned, but Beijing insists world standards" in the wake of a global even more important centre of finance, that it must be consulted on such large economic slow-down. Closer economic trade and communications in the future, projects, especially as the construction of ties between Hong Kong and the mainland Chen claimed. this one will extend beyond 1997. were credited with reducing the negative In a September interview, Jiang Zemin The news that the Hongkong and effects of a sluggish US economy on Hong spoke highly of Hong Kong's role in Shanghai Banking Corporation had Kong exports and aiding the development China's development Hong Kong and decided to move its domicile to Britain of the mainland's foreign trade. Hong the mainland "each complement the other was reported very briefly in the China Kong businessmen were reported to be for the sake of common prosperity." In Daily. This was followed three days later increasing investment in the mainland now August the State Council issued a set of with a summary of Chinese Foreign that the political and social situation had regulations to encourage overseas, Hong Ministry spokesman, Li Zhaoxin's stabilized and the impact of the "June 4th Kong and Macao Chinese to invest in the remarks, urging the British government incident" was "fading." Hong Kong mainland. These regulations give to "abide by its responsibility in investment has already recovered to pre- preferential treatment to export-oriented safeguarding and maintaining the social June 4th levels and accounts for 63% of and technologically-advanced enterprises, stability and economic prosperity of the total value of overseas investment in allowing them to remit profits and Hong Kong during the transitional period." The Hongkong Bank's move was mentioned, but no specific recommendations on how the British Britain, from page 9 immigration law dealing with refugees government should act were made. No entering Hong Kong, a status which none mention of the Hongkong Bank's move five day visit. He was a last minute of them had claimed. In fact, they had or of Li Zhaoxin's exhortation was made replacement for the ailing Wan Li, never sought to enter Hong Kong but in the People's Daily although his Chairmen of the National People's only sought assistance to repair their boat comments on other topics were reported. Congress. Tian had talks with then Prime before continuing their voyage to Japan. Articles on Hong Kong in the English Minister, Mrs. Thatcher and Lord Instead, the Hong Kong authorities language China Daily greatly outnumber Caithness, the newly appointed Minister destroyed the boat and held them under their counterparts in the Chinese of State with responsibility for Hong the immigration law despite the fact that language People's Daily. Clearly, this is Kong. The resignation of Mrs. Thatcher they refused to apply for asylum in Hong in part due to the "what we think you need one week later on November 23rd Kong. After the hearing, representatives to know" fashion that news is published in prompted Sir David Wilson, Governor of of the 1 1 1 left the court as free men but China. The China Daily is read by a Hong Kong, to state, "I am quite sure that were immediately rearrested under relatively small audience of intellectuals it will not mean any change at all to section 4 of the immigration ordinance and foreigners and can, therefore, afford to British policy towards Hong Kong." covering illegal immigration, although be more open in its reporting. Still, reports Other H.K. news which received they never sought to enter H.K. On in the China Daily are very sketchy when media coverage in the U.K. was the court November 13th, a Times leader compared to their counterparts in the Hong case of 1 1 1 Vietnamese boat people who, commented that, "This happened not in Kong press. At best, Chinese readers get Judge Raymond Spears ruled on Albania or China but on British soil." It only half the story and are left to infer and November 12th, had been illegally criticized Hong Kong's Secretary for imagine the rest imprisoned for 18 months. They had been Security, Alistair Asprey, for his "high detained under Section 13d of the handed contempt" of due process.

UPDATE 11 Job opportunities for Statistical Imponderables: immigrants Immigrant applicants in What we do not know. the independent class are given up to ten by Diana Lary points for the demand for their Toronto occupation in Canada. Shifts in the point One of the best and most satisfying Location of immigrants system are noted widely in Hong Kong and ways to deal with an issue objectively is in Canada followed by potential immigrants as they make up their mind where to apply. to rely on hard statistical evidence. But Immigrants to Canada declare a However, by the time successful the desire to be precise may be thwarted specific destination within Canada, but applicants arrive in Canada, many by statistical imponderables. In some the declared place of landing gives no months or years will have elapsed since instances statistics are not available; in firm indication as to where people will the time of application, and the others there are only partial statistics or actually settle. There are no barriers to occupational demand pattern may have ones which cannot be correlated within a movement within the country; once specific shifted. At the end of 1989, for example, time frame. These imponderables people have landed it is up to them where funeral directors got ten points for present some problems in looking at they chose to live. Records are not kept demand, but by the time successful Canada and Hong Kong. Here are some on where immigrants live after they applicants arrive, the demand may not be examples: arrive. The next census figures, not due there. The immigrant experience is more until 1992 or 1993, will only reveal painful if the immigrant has to suffer Immigration applications ethnicity, not place of birth. It is difficult status dislocation alongside the process of There are several areas of imprecision to predict the demand for services if it is migration. with immigrant applications. 1) The time not clear where the people who may need lag between application and decision is them are. It may also run counter to the People of origin often so long that it is impossible to make immigration policy of a specific province Chinese accurate correlations between if people who enter the country destined in Canada applications and landings, which are for a particular province do not stay At the moment, it is difficult to tell the spread over a number of reporting there. size of the Chinese ethnic group in periods. 2) It is impossible to tell whether Canada. Results of the 1991 census will all successful immigrant applicants will Investment from Hong Kong not be available until 1992 or 1993, and come to people in period Canada. Some apply in Canada a of heavy immigration from concurrently as immigrants to more than Asia, the 1981 statistics no longer give an One of the anticipated benefits of the one country; they only decide where to accurate picture. migration from Hong Kong to Canada is go when they have heard the outcome of If immigration statistics are added to investment in this country. Though large all their applications. One guide is the 1981 census figures, it is still not to figures are quoted, they are seldom correlate the number of certificates of possible to produce an accurate figure for reliable because the process of good behaviour issued by the Hong Kong the Chinese group. Immigrants of investment is complex and constantly Police with the number of applications Chinese origin may come from Hong shifting. Although the amount of money made to foreign representatives in Hong Kong, the PRC, Taiwan and Southeast locked in investment funds specifically Kong, but only the Hong Kong Asian countries, as well as from non- geared to investor immigrants can be government can do this. 3) It is difficult Asian sources. The size of the Canadian- established at any given point, other to tell how long people will take between born population of Chinese ancestry may investments are less clear cut. It is receiving a visa and departing for Canada also have changed, but birth and death impossible to distinguish between long though not more than one year is figures are not tabulated by ethnicity. and short term investments, between allowed. These imprecisions make it hard Though there are real distinctions money brought in by immigrants for their to predict the rate of future immigration amongst immigrants, and between them personal or business use, and money in precise terms. and Canadian-born people of Chinese which is here only as long as the returns descent, visible distinctions are slight. are good. There are no controls on the Family size Amongst the various categories of departure of money. It is also impossible Immigration Chinese, connections are often limited, applications are made by to distinguish between investments made an except for special circumstances such as individual who is then entitled to by non-residents, immigrants and sponsor his or the pro-Democracy movement last year. her immediate family Canadian citizens and, thus, to establish Knowledge of common ethnicity is, (spouse and children under 18). how much investment can be attributed Estimating the is however, significant in certain public number of dependents directly to immigration. There is little difficult since the size spheres - the provision of heritage of family varies. specific significance here to the Hong (See language services and of social services Immigration statistics and the Kong/Canada relationship, since the Cheung/Ho article.) in one or more dialects of Chinese. It is issues discussed relate to standard also significant in terms of investment international market transactions. next page

12 UPDATE .

decisions for businesses geared to the live in Hong Kong as local citizens. This Lord Glenarthur Chinese community. So far, no means is a common situation; Canadian 1988-89 has been found of getting round the authorities seldom know how many of imprecision other than by subjective their citizens are in a specific country at Francis Maude, M.P. 'guesswork'. any given time. Canadians are only September 1989-August 1990: advised to register at an embassy or Francis Maude visited Hong Kong in Canadian citizens in Hong Kong commission if they are going to be April 1 to reassure the colony 'residing abroad for a protracted period, 990 about It is impossible to tell with any degree the terms of the Nationality (H.K.) Bill of accuracy how many Canadian citizens or travelling in a disturbed area' (back and to suggest that several Western allies are living in Hong Kong at any given page of passport). Lack of precision were considering plans to allow more time. Estimates range from as low as would only take on real significance if it Hong Kong people to have 'insurance' 9,000 to over 30,000. There is no were ever necessary to evacuate visas for their countries. This statement, requirement for Canadian citizens to Canadians from Hong Kong. designed to allay Hong Kong jitters, register at the Commission. Dual citizens backfired when many of the countries Maude had mentioned, including Canada, denied that they had any such policy. British Ministers with Responsibility Lord Caithness for Kong Hong August 1990-present: by Harriet Clompus Lord Caithness has no background in London foreign affairs and no special knowledge of Hong Kong. He visited Hong Kong for There have been many "reshuffles" discussed measures that should be taken the first time in September 1990. In a within the British Government since the to protect the interests of the Hong Kong Times article (Oct.l, 1990) about the trip, Joint Declaration with China was signed people. Various immigration policies entitled "A Minister Adrift in an Ocean in December, 1984, and it is useful to were proposed, but no final decision was of Indifference," Bernard Levin examine these changes as they affect reached. Mr. Major did not visit Hong suggested that although the general Hong Kong. Kong. consensus in Hong Kong was that, "Lord Caithness was not as bad as Lord Secretary of State for Foreign and Douglas Hurd Glenarthur," his lack of knowledge was Affairs Commonwealth October 1989-present: profound. "What the betrayed people of Under Hurd, the Nationality (H.K.) Bill Hong Kong really made of this Sir Geoffrey Howe was introduced and passed in April 1990. astonishing Bertie Wooster, apparently 1983-July 1989: On his return from Hong Kong in mid- made of ectoplasm, there is no knowing, January 1990, Mr. Hurd stated, "We have Sir Geoffrey was Foreign Secretary at but the choice of such an insubstantial tried to strike a balance which is the time of the signing of the Joint political figure for the political disappointing to almost everyone in Hong Declaration, and he made frequent visits overseeing of Hong Kong demonstrates Kong, but we believe that it is a to both China and Hong Kong during this with saddening clarity our government's reasonable balance." Since the passing of period. After the Peking Massacre, Sir indifference to the colony's fate." the Nationality Bill, the Foreign Caithness Geoffrey stated in Parliament on June 6, In November 1990, Lord Secretary has not visited Hong Kong 1989 that Britain "condemned the had talks with Tian Zengpei, the Chinese although he has had high level talks with merciless treatment of peaceful Deputy Foreign Minister, on the latter's Chinese officials. demonstrators and deeply deplored the visit to Britain. use of force to suppress the democratic aspirations of the Chinese people." The Minister of State, Foreign and In Future Issues. . resignation of the Chancellor of the Commonwealth Office, with Exchequer in July 1989 precipitated a responsibility for Hong Kong Legal Terminology in Chinese cabinet reshuffle, and Sir Geoffrey and English became Deputy Prime Minister. He was Richard Luce, M.P. Japan and Hong Kong: Trade and replaced in the Foreign Office by John 1984-85 Investment Trends Major. Hong Kong Visa Students in Timothy Renton, M.P. John Major Toronto Schools 1986-87: July 1989-October 1989: European Views of Hong Kong Mr. Renton made a trip to Hong Kong During John Major's three-month in January 1986 after the publication of a The Indian Commmunity of Hong tenure as Foreign Secretary, Parliament Green paper on Hong Kong's future. Kong: Citizenship After 1997?

UPDATE 13 NEWS IN BRIEF

Five Arrested in Immigration Hong Kong published in Quebec, and, Lu Ping fittingly, it is written by one of the Case On November 23rd, 1990, the deputy Quebecois who knows most about Hong director of the Hong Kong and Macao by Janet A. Rubinoff Kong, Jules Nadeau. Nadeau has spent a Affairs Office of the State Council in Toronto considerable amount of time in Hong Peking was promoted director, replacing

On October 31, 1990, the St. John's Kong over the past twenty years, and has Ji Pengfei, the 80-ycar old director. Lu

Evening Telegram reported that three close family connections there. After the Ping is said to share the hard-line people had been arrested and charged in debacle in Peking in June, 1989, he went attitudes of Li Peng, the prime minister. connection with an alleged immigration to Hong Kong and conducted an scam involving Hong Kong residents intensive enquiry into the state of the B.C. Development, from page l seeking Canadian citizenship. After a territory. He interviewed people from all nine month investigation the RCMP walks of life, and looked at Macao and one-acre Buddhist temple compound arrested two Newfoundland residents, Shenzhen, as well as Hong Kong itself. includes the Main Gracious Hall, where Citizenship Judge Eric Noseworthy and The report of his enquiry reveals a most of the activities take place, living Jocelyn Saulnier, an immigration generally pessimistic view of the future quarters, a parking lot and the newly administrator in the Department of the of Hong Kong amongst me people he completed Seven Buddha Mural. Plans Secretary of State, and Ottawa talked to, but it also shows that there is have been made to construct a new building businessman Paul Vai Seng Ho. The still the possibility of less negative which will include a Meditation Hall, three were charged with 22 offenses scenarios. teaching facility, library and new offices. including conspiracy, breach of trust, Temple administrators have asked the Cily bribery, and issuing false documents. The Hongkong Bank of Richmond to re-zone part of the preliminary inquiry is scheduled for April In December, 1990 the Hongkong and surrounding farmland for this purpose. 1 , 1991 and is expected to last up to six Shanghai Bank, one of Hong Kong's key Construction of the temple began on weeks, according to Colin Flynn, director financial organizations was reorganized September 25, 1982 when the foundation of public prosecutions. under a British holding company, stone was laid by then mayor B.J. Blair. It Two days later in connection with the effectively moving the headquarters of the was officially opened on August 3, 1986. same investigation, two more people, a bank to London. The bank's substantial The project was first initiated by Mr. and husband and wife who are Hong Kong assets will remain there, but Hong Kong Mrs. Wang, devout Buddhists, who had nationals living in Ottawa, were non-Hong Kong assets, including the immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong. arraigned on charges of giving false Hongkong Bank of Canada, will come They donated both the land and the first statements to under the new London-based obtain a Canadian passport. Hongkong $300,000 towards the building of the These offenses are alleged to have and Shanghai Bank Holdings. The move temple. Additional funds were collected occurred in St. Johns. A tragic result of was covered sympathetically in an editorial from the local Chinese community to cover this case was the sudden death on in the Globe and Mail on December 22nd: a total cost of about $2.5 million. The

November 3rd of Judge Noseworthy, five "...only by signalling its ability to rapidly temple is mainly financed by donations days after his arrest and release on decamp can the bank hope to retain the from supporters.

S30.000 bail. He had been charged with confidence of fretful foreign investors..." There are four priests at the temple, "accepting commissions and rewards, The move is not expected to effect the including the main administrator, Reverend breech of trust, conspiracy and operations of the Hongkong Bank of Cheng-Ming, originally from Mainland possession of property obtained by Canada, according to a spokesman (Globe China. Temple staff includes sixteen crime." and Mail, Dec 18, 1990, B2). members who work in the office, kitchen According to Superintendent Emerson and farm. On the weekend, worshippers arc Kaiser, the RCMP "have reliable Hong Kong Government provided with vegetarian food prepared in information the temple kitchens while vegetables from from Hong Kong that people Recruitment in North America have paid and are willing to the farm are sold. pay In an effort to maintain the Hong anywhere from S to Major temple activities centre on prayer 10,000 SI 2,000 up to Kong civil service at desirable levels, the as high as and the chanting of Buddhist scriptures $100,000 to get into Canada." Hong Kong government has for the past (sutras). There are no set services and few years been recruiting in North worshippers can enter any time the temple Hong Kong 1997: dans la gueule du America. In 1990, 154 applications were is open to pray in front of the Kuan-Yin Dragon rouge received in Toronto and Vancouver, up Bodhisattva or the Buddha of Healing. One Jules Nadeau, with the collaboration of from 105 the year before. These figures of the main events sponsored by the temple Mathieu-Robert Sauve and the compare with 243 (1990) and 107 (1989) is the yearly Da-Fo-Qi ceremony which is photography of Luc Sauve from the United States. No information is held at the end of November. Essentially a Quebec/Amerique, 1990 available on the success rate of

This is the first serious treatment of applicants. next page

14 UPDATE meditation, the ceremony includes seven Canada/HK Project: Hong Kong Institute for parts and lasts for seven days from 5 in the First Workshop Held Asia Pacific Studies morning till 9:30 at night. The object for The first workshop of the Canada and The Chinese University worshippers is to control their physical Hong Project was successfully held desires and concentrate on the teachings of Kong of Hong Kong University on Saturday, January Buddha. Besides religious activities, the at Brock Prof. Charles The Institute was established in temple also offers training in Chinese 5, 1991. Convened by multi- Political September 1990 to promote culture, such as traditional painting and Burton of the Department of science research the workshop focused disciplinary social on stone-carving. Thus, it functions as both a Science at Brock, social, political and economic religious and cultural centre for the on Politics and Society in Hong Kong up development. The Institute's research Chinese-Canadian community. to and after 1997, and included papers on emphasis is on the role of Hong Kong in Not far from the Buddhist temple is the religion, education, and labour unions. the Asia-Pacific Region. The director is major commercial development project, Papers were presented by Thomas Leung, Dr. Yeung Yue-man, and the associate Aberdeen Mall, the largest enclosed Asian Regent College, Vancouver, on "The director Dr. Lau Siu-kai. The current retail centre in North America. Thomas Crisis and Transformation of the Role of research projects directly related to Fung, developer of the Mall and the 39-year Hong Kong Religious Organizations are: Kong and Asia- old president of Fairchild Developments Before and After 1997;" Bernard Luk, Hong Kong Hong Pacific Economies, directed by Dr. Liu Ltd., immigrated to Vancouver from Hong Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr. Yue-chim; Kong with his family in 1984. Prior to his School of Education and visiting scholar Pak-wai and Wong Political Development of Hong Kong, immigration, Mr Fung attended high school at Victoria College, University of Dr. Siu-kai; and Social in Vancouver as well as the University of Toronto, on " directed by Lau Indicators and Social Development of British Columbia. Aberdeen Mall is his Up to 1997 and Beyond;" and Ming ninth real estate investment project in Chan, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, directed by Lai Siu-kai. Vancouver. Department of History, "Forever Under There is an Information and district Unit, headed by Dr. Named after the Aberdeen tourist China's Shadow: Historical Perspectives Documentation Island, the Mall has two Brosseau. on Hong Kong on the Realpolitik of Hong Kong Labour Maurice levels and covers a total of 1 ,000 square is: 1 Unionism Toward 1997." The address metres. Total cost was approximately $20 University of Hong Kong, The papers will be published by the Chinese million. When it was officially opened June Shatin, N.T., Kong. Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies in Hong 30, 1990, 95% of the retail space (over 40 the late spring as part of our new Canada shops) had been leased. They include and Hong Kong series. The next fashion boutiques, groceries, restaurants, Oxford Hong Kong Project workshop, on legal issues involved in the bowling alley and a number of businesses The Hong Kong Project at the Centre return of Hong Kong to China, will be (electronic equipment, furniture, stationery for Modem Chinese Studies, Oxford held this June in Hong Kong. It will and book stores where the HK South China University, was set up in 1986, coincide with the "Festival of Canada," Morning Post is available, Chinese cinema, sponsored jointly by the Rhodes House sponsored by the Canadian Commission. house) that and even a traditional herbal tea Library. Its aim is to secure research The convenor of the workshop is Prof. developer cater to an Asian clientele. The materials on Hong Kong and promote William Angus, Faculty of Law, York the mall to a attributes the success of research and better understanding of University. "strong pent-up demand in the Asian Hong Kong. One of its prime tasks is to community." Mr. Fung wants the mall to be collect the private papers of retired civil a lively place especially in the evenings, to A unique feature of the mall is the servants, and to conduct interviews with replicate the busy night life of Hong Kong. Chinese herbal tea house, called Fook Po them and with other people who have To this end, all stores must remain open to Tong - meaning "Bringing Good Luck and made major contributions to modern at least 7:30pm from Sunday to Wednesday Prosperity." Financed by real estate agent Hong Kong. More than 50 people have and until 9:30pm from Thursday to Willie Chan and two brothers, Patrick and already been interviewed. The Saturday. Peter Chan, it is the first traditional tea interviews are transcribed and then house established in deposited in the Rhodes House Library. Canada. The Chan If no specific restrictions are imposed by brothers, who immigrated the interviewee, the transcripts will be from Hong Kong only a released for scholarly research thirty year ago, are the fourth years after the last event discussed in the generation of a well-known transcript. tea house in Hong Kong. Director: Although the business is Tsang primarily for the local Dr. Steven Chinese community, the Address: Chinese Studies Chans also "hope to sell Centre for Modern the idea to Canadians as a 57, Woodstock Road natural health food." Oxford OX2 6JF B.C. Buddhist temple compound

UPDATE 15 The Canada and Hong Kong Update

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16 UPDATE 5. CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Number 4 SPRING 1991

Prime Minister's Visit to Hong Kong

Prime Minister Mulroney visited Hong prosper long into the next century and S33.5 billion in 1990, and through the Kong from May 22-26, to launch the beyond. You can count on Canada's '80's, that trade grew at a pace which Festival of Canada. At a dinner on May 24, friendship and support throughout this exceeded that with any other part of the given by the governor, Sir David Wilson, delicate and challenging period." The fact world. Canada's past has been largely an the PM talked about the importance of that the PM's visit to Asia did not include a Atlantic past. Canada's future will be Hong Kong to Canada. "People from Hong trip to China underscored this sense of increasingly a Pacific future. We want

Kong have settled throughout Canada; it is Hong Kong's autonomy. Hong Kong to play a major role in that a rare town that has no families of Chinese His visit also stressed past ties; with Sir future. origin. And these families have brought the David he visited the war memorial for "Canada's partnership with Hong Kong same qualities of enterprise, energy and Canadian soldiers killed during the goes far beyond trade. I want to assure you self-reliance to their communities in Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and today of Canada's support as you meet the Canada that have made such a contribution reaffirmed present and future Canadian challenges of the years ahead. Canada to economic and cultural life here. With commitment to Hong Kong. endorses the autonomy preserved for Hong more than 28,000 more immigrants this In a speech to the Canadian Chamber of Kong by the Joint Declaration, particularly past year from Hong Kong and with further Commerce on May 24, the Prime Minister in areas of trade, economy and law. That immigrants still to come in future years, the talked about the growing trade between autonomy is essential to Hong Kong's Hong Kong thread in the Canadian national Hong Kong and Canada: "the economic prosperity. And, as important, Canada tapestry is becoming brighter and stronger links between our societies continue to believes that the autonomy of Hong Kong and more mutually rewarding." expand and deepen. The numbers tell the is essential for the prosperity of this entire He underlined Canada's intention to story. Our two-way merchandise trade in region, including China itself." treat Hong Kong as a distinct political 1990 was over $1.7 billion (Canadian). On May 23, after a visit with a group of entity. At the dinner he said: "As we end Canadian exports to Hong Kong have Vietnamese boat people about to leave for this century, the name Hong Kong takes on almost doubled in the last five years. In Canada, the Prime Minister said, in a a new meaning. Hong Kong becomes 1990, Hong Kong was our fifth most spontaneous gesture of compassion, that synonymous with autonomy and with the important trading partner in the Asia- Canada would take more refugees and, co-existence of two social systems. Canada Pacific region. Billions of dollars of thus, help to reduce the scale of the world wants to see Hong Kong's constitutional investment from Hong Kong are refugee problem: "if you take more than development and democratic institutions contributing to the dynamism of both our your share, not less, you eventually

grow to match your economic enterprise economy and yours alleviate the human suffering." However, and your truly impressive achievements. "Trade with Asia is crucial to Canada's he made no commitment of the kind hoped

"Canada values its relationship with future. Canada trades more with Asia than for by many Hong Kong people to increase to Hong Kong. We believe that it is in it does with Western Europe. Our two-way the scale of Hong Kong immigration

everyone's best interest that it continue and merchandise trade with this region hit Canada.

IN THIS ISSUE: Response to UK Nationality Associations 11 Package 3 Support for Hong Kong in the UK 14 Beijing Update on Hong Kong 4 Prime Minister's Visit to Hong Kong 1 Winnipeg Hosts First National Meeting Guarantees of Human Rights 2 Immigrant Demographics 5 of Chinese Canadians Since '75 15 Hong Kong Veterans 3 Macau's Transition to Chinese Rule 8 Conference on Human Rights & PADS - Further Development 3 Indians of Hong Kong 9 Democracy in China 16 per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND Festival of Canada in Hong Kong UPDATE HONG KONG The Festival of Canada was launched by highlighted by trade promotions and Prime Minister Mulroney on May 24th. The meetings of Canadian business associations

heart of the Festival will start on June 19th, from all over Asia. There will be showcases Editor; Diana Lary Janet A. Rubinoff and will be officially opened by the on tourism, industry and technology, and governor of Hong Kong, Sir David Wilson. the environment. On the academic side,

Illustration & Design Altogether fifty events have been arranged there will be two legal events, both held at IMS Creative Communications on the theme of "Canada and Hong Kong: the University of Hong Kong. One will be a Friends Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." conference on the Bill of Rights, the second Contributors Philip Calvert There are several strands to the Festival a workshop on a series of specialized legal Ho-yin Cheung programme: in the cultural area, there will issues. Harriet Clompus Stephanie Gould be performances by Les Grands Ballets The Festival will finish with a picnic on Susan Henders Canadiens, Jean-Paul Sevilla^ Margie Gillis, June 30th, the day before Canada Day. On Keung-sing Ho Mimeworks and Ofra Harnoy.jThere will Canada Day itself there will be a gala Mark Rowswell also be a film festival, including the Hong reception, and a totem pole, given by the Hugh Xiaobing Tan Kong premier of Bethune: The Making of a government of Canada to the people of Hong Irene Tong Hero. The business programme will be Kong, will be erected in .

Canada and Hong Kong Update is published three times a year by the Canada and Hong Kong Project,

Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, Guarantees of Human Rights in Hong Kong Suite 200K, Administrative Studies Bldg.

York University, 4700 Keele St., • The United Nations Human Rights "measures regarding the protection of human North York, Ontario, Committee meets several times a year to rights of citizens of Hong Kong after the

CANADA M3J 1P3 hear reports from signatories of the territory is handed over to China in 1997."

International Covenant on Civil and The Committee wanted to know what Britain Telephone: (416) 736-5784 Political Rights. (Eighty countries are would do to ensure compliance after 1997. Fax:(416)736-5687 signatories of the Covenant; China is one of The United Kingdom was asked if it would be the few countries has not signed.) willing sign the Protocol, Opinions expressed in this newsjoumal which to Optional which are those of the author alone. Signatories are bound to implement the would allow people suffering human rights rights listed in the Covenant and must report abuses to complain to the Committee directly.

every four years to the Committee. Hong (Canada has signed this protocol; it is used CANADA AND HONG KONG PROJECT Kong has been covered under the Covenant quite often by native people. The UK has not). since 1976 when the British government The Committee requested another report Director Diana Lary ratified it. Article 156 of the Joint on the situation in Hong Kong in two years, Coordinator Janet A. Rubinoff Declaration guarantees the continuation of instead of the normal four. At the end of the Advisory Board David Bond the Covenant after 1997: "the International meeting, the UK government was asked by Denise Chong Covenant on Civil and Political Rights will the Committee to ensure that irreversible Maurice Copithome remain in force." The Hong Kong Bill of human rights statutes be put in place in Hong Dr. Bemie Frolic Rights, soon to become law, is based word Kong before the territory's transfer to China John Higginbotham for word on the Covenant. in 1997. The Committee made it clear that it Graeme McDonald On April 1, 1991, United considered the responsible for ensuring Dr. T.G. McGee Kingdom UK Jules Nadeau representatives were called to answer that the people of Hong Kong not be exposed Dr. William Saywell questions on the periodic report from Britain, to abuses in the future.

Dr. Wang Gungwu which included a section on Hong Kong. The After their stay in New York, Mr. Stock UK government sent a five person team and Mr. Dykes visited Ottawa on April 4th We want to thank the Dormer Canadian principally to answer questions about and met people involved with human rights Foundation for its very generous support Northern Ireland; a second five -man group issues in Canada, including Justice Strayer, which has made this project possible. The was sent from the in Bill Foundation's long-standing interest in Hong Kong government. who helped preparing Hong Kong's Canada's international relations with Asia The team was led by Solicitor General Frank of Rights. Mr Dykes then came to Toronto has enabled us to conduct research which we Stock, who was accompanied by the for a visit to the Ontario Human Rights consider to be of great significance for the Assistant Solicitor, General , Commission. Canada is the only country future of the country. and three principal assistant secretaries. with a common law system to have The Human Rights Committee members developed legislation and administrative asked a number of questions about the procedures for the protection of human

enforcement of the in rights, this useful This publication is free. Covenant Hong Kong and experience may be to

Please call or write to us for past after 1997, given that China has not signed it. Hong Kong in the future. or future issues. The UK delegation was asked about

2 UPDATE PADS: Further Developments Poor Response to UK Nationality Package

by llo-yin Cheung and Hong Kong's Port and Airport project now seems to be stalled. Meetings Keung-sing Ho Development Project continues to be a between officials from Britain, Hong Kong Hong Kong focal point of concern for both parties and China, which, it had been hoped, would involved, as well as an indicator of some of break the deadlock, ended inconclusively in The poor response to the controversial Peking's attitudes towards its relationship Peking on May 22. British nationality package, which provides with the territory as 1997 approaches. Peking continues to express concern that right of abode to qualified Hong Kong While negotiations on the project are still the Hong Kong Special Administrative people, was unanticipated. At the end of the taking place, all indications are that the Region will have adequate fiscal reserves in three month application period on February project itself will be scaled down if it is to 1997, arguing that the projects being 28, the total number of forms received was obtain the approval of the Chinese planned could leave as little as HKS5 only 65,674. This figure was far lower than government - approval which is needed for billion in the reserves. Hong Kong the 300,000 predicted by Hong Kong private sector support of the project. estimates that the figure will be closer to Government officials. Initial processing In January of this year, after some initial S30 billion, as compared with present indicated that there were about 48,380 negotiations in the fall of 1990, Hong Kong levels of $72 billion. Peking has asked applications under the general occupation and Chinese officials met for further Hong Kong to set aside a substantial class, which provides places for 32300 discussions on PADS. During the course of portion of the fiscal reserves for households in this first round. (A second these discussions, the Chinese side stated management of the new SAR after 1997. round is to begin after 1993.) Only 7,750 that Peking had to be consulted on all The issue is as much political as fiscal. forms have been received from people in matters which straddle 1997. The Hong Peking wants a say in a project which will the Government's disciplined services Kong side reacted firmly to what seemed to not only have downstream benefits to the class, which had been allotted 6,100 places. be a move towards veto power over major region but also great costs. Peking also A further 1,500 applications were made policy decisions before 1997, and Peking's seems to be putting an interventionist under the sensitive service class, which position was rejected. definition to the clause of the 1984 Joint provides for a total of 6,300 households. Of By early March, however, it appeared Declaration which allowed for "increased the 500 places in the entrepreneur class, that the Hong Kong government was consultation" in the latter part of the reserved for those invited by the Governor, willing to reconsider the phasing of countdown to 1997. Peking's interpretation just 200 were received. Separate quotas financing for the project and to have Peking of "consultation" goes well beyond that of cannot be transferred from undersubscribed representation in its development. the Hong Kong Government. The final classes to oversubscribed. Altogether, only However, no progress was made during the definition agreed on will have great one-tenth of those targeted by the scheme visit of British Foreign Secretary Douglas influence over the evolution of Hong Kong had submitted an application. Hurd to Peking in April, and the airport in the next six years. The British Home Office declined to give any reasons for the poor response to the right of abode plan, while the Director of Administration of the territory, Yam-kuen, insisted that the British nationality scheme has already been a success. The administration has rejected criticism directed against both the abode Hong Kong Veterans plan and its failure to adequately publicize the scheme.

The unexpected poor response is

A highlight of Prime Minister forces who took Hong Kong on Christmas attributed to a number of factors. One length Mulroney's visit to Tokyo came on May Day, 1941. Five-hundred and fifty -seven obvious factor is the very and application form which is 28, when Japanese Prime Minister Kaifu died during the War; seven-hundred are still complexity of the made a formal apology for the alive today. Spokesmen for the survivors 32 pages long [see Canada and Hong Kong maltreatment of Canadian prisoners of war reacted negatively to the Japanese apology. Update, Winter 1991: 10]. The reference pages. In in Hong Kong and Japan during the Second Clifford Chatterton, CEO of the War manual for the form is over 250 prepare World War. He apologised for the Amputations of Canada, said that an many cases it would be difficult to special expertise or "unbearable suffering and pain that were apology without compensation was an the application without officials may feel caused by the Japanese state against the insult. The survivors filed a claim against legal advice. Although Canadian people who experienced such the Japanese government for reparations the lengthy form is clear and members of the sufferings." Almost fifty years ago, 1,975 with the United Nations Human Rights comprehensive, most Canadians were taken prisoner by Japanese Committee in February of this year. UK Package, cont'd page 4

UPDATE 3 UK Package, from page 3 Beijing Update on Hong Kong public have found it very complicated and that guaranteed a right of abode before Britain

also too limited in its scope. Many simply recently changed the law [Far Eastern by Mark Rowswell did not apply because they thought they Economic Review, April 18, 1991: 20]. Beijing would not qualify. In Britain, the Labour Party's home

A second factor is the Government's affairs spokesman, Mr. Alistair Darling, failure to sufficiently publicize the scheme. maintained that the low number of In early 1991 news about Hong Kong in One of the main reasons for this low profile applications indicated growing confidence the Chinese press increased in frequency, promotion was the sensitivity of the Hong in Hong Kong. He suggested that recent reaching a peak during British Foreign

Kong Government to Beijing's antagonism tough Chinese statements on the future of Secretary Douglas Hurd's visit to China in to the plan. Since Parliament's passage of the territory were only diplomatic rhetoric. early April. Despite the increase, however,

the Nationality Package in October 1990, However, the fact that the rate of migration there remained little of substance in reports

Chinese officials have opposed the out of Hong Kong is one every six minutes on Hong Kong. provision of an "insurance plan" for highly at Hong Kong International Airport belies The frequency of news reports qualified administrative and business this optimistic assessment. More corresponded to a relative flurry of diplomatic people to leave the territory. importantly, the preferred destinations for activity between Chinese, Hong Kong and

A third reason is the perception of Hong Hong Kong migrants are Canada, Australia British officials and businessmea In early Kong people that the abode plan merely and the United States, which are perceived January the second round of talks between offered a "travel document" rather than to have more vital economies and greater Chinese and British experts on large-scale citizenship. Since only 50,000 heads of opportunities than Great Britain. This capital construction in Hong Kong was held

households were to receive passports, many perception has also contributed to the poor in Beijing. (The first round took place last

people believed they had little chance of response to the UK Nationality Package. October.) At the same time, Chinese success. That fact coupled with the limited As Liberal Democrat foreign affairs President Yang Shangkun met with a focus of the abode scheme on professional spokesman, David Steel, concluded, "The delegation from the Hong Kong Chinese

and managerial elites discouraged many UK is not as attractive a location as Her General Chamber of Commerce. Another people from applying for migration to Majesty's Government thought." One high-level economic mission, headed by the Britain. At the same time, according to troubling implication of Britain's executive director of the Hong Kong Trade

Michael Davis, law lecturer at the Chinese embarrassment over the poor return is that Development Council, Jack So, arrived in

University, there is considerable resentment MP's and other government officials are Beijing for the opening of a trade exhibition

among Hong Kong people that they must likely to assume that the problem of Hong in April. In late January Hong Kong now "apply for something that should Kong is no longer a pressing issue and that Governor Sir David Wilson met in Beijing already be theirs." Many of these the crisis of confidence of Hong Kong with Chinese Premier Li Peng, the director of professionals or their parents previously people has dissipated [South China the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Lu held British Hong Kong Territory passports Morning Post, March 1, 1991: 7]. Ping, and former director Ji Pengfei. Six

weeks later Lu and Ji held meetings with Sir David in Hong Kong and again the following

month, in early April. British Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd met with top Chinese

officials in Beijing. Fearful Fours Despite all this activity, nothing substantial seems to have happened judging from the Chinese news reports. Results of the meetings and British views rarely are There is a belief in some circles, much Council, February 20, 1991). The proposers reported. News articles mainly relay the stressed in some of the recent are non-Chinese people who are concerns expressed by the Chinese side, commentaries on Hong Kong immigration, considering selling their houses, and making for very monotonous reading.

that no person of Chinese ethnicity will believe that having a four in the number of Central to this diplomatic activity is the ever buy a house with a 4 in its number. their house will make it impossible for new Hong Kong airport scheme, often ('Four' is a homonym of the word 'death'; them to sell to a Chinese buyer. The request referred to under the broader terms "large

it is also a homonym of 'silk', 'private' and was denied by Council by a vote of 14 to 1. scale capital construction" or "large 'thought'). This belief recently led some North York Mayor Mel Lastman, well- infrastructure projects." The Chinese residents of Metro Toronto to make a known for his pithy comments, described repeatedly stressed that such projects "have formal request to the North York Council the request as "the stupidest thing I have created concern among Hong Kong residents to allow applications to delete the numeral ever heard of." The request was also who fear the projects, which were four from a house number "where proven opposed by the Toronto chapter of the haphazardly drawn up, will require too much hardship exists with respect to the sale of a Chinese Canadian Council; a spokeswoman capital" and will "add burdens to Hong Kong

property due to its existing number" said that the superstition about four was and its taxpayers." In January Li Peng {Minutes of the Meeting of North York held by only a small number of Chinese.

4 UPDATE suggested it was possible to have a smaller Immigrant Demographics, 1990 investment but higher economic efficiency

and added that "the Chinese side docs not by Diana Lary seek any selfish interest in this matter." Toronto The Chinese have emphasized the need for a cooperative relationship with British The number of immigrants from Hong 1988 1989 1990 authorities. In February the director of the Kong landed in 1990 was 28,949, a rise of Single 10914 9603 14269 Hong Kong branch of the Xinhua News 45% over 1989 and 24% over 1988. The Married 11645 9656 13837 Agency, Zhou Nan, stated that the Chinese change in numbers did not have any major Widowed 503 437 613 government has "no intention of interfering in effect on the demographic characteristics of Divorced 168 118 177 the purely administrative affairs of Hong the immigrants. Some changes are apparent, Separated 51 47 53

Kong before 1997, but was duty bound to in terms of language knowledge and levels Total 23281 19861 28949 look into important matters that straddle 1997 of education, but these are slight shifts and on which the future government of the rather than dramatic alterations. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Ages will bear responsibilities and commitments." Principal immigrants/dependents The age range of immigrants over the During Douglas Hurd's visit, the Chinese Over the past three years, the number of past three years has shown little change. Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, remarked that principal immigrants has been declining The majority continue to be in the most

"there is no such thing as China maintaining slowly as a proportion of all immigrants, productive years: 50% of immigrants in control or veto power" over such matters. while the number of dependents has risen. 1988 were between 25 and 44, 48% in 1989 Communist Party General Secretary Jiang Zemin said that China and Britain are "in the same boat" and should work closely together.

Considerable emphasis is placed on the Basic Law, which was claimed to have already begun to play a guiding role in

handling Hong Kong affairs, although the law

does not come into effect until July 1, 1997. A front page editorial commemorating the

first anniversary of the law appeared in the Peoples Daily on April 4. On April 15, a long editorial in China Daily summed up Douglas

Hurd's visit, repeated Chinese concerns about Hong Kong and stressed the role of the Basic

Law. The article quoted from an editorial in Ta Gong Poo which compared Hong Kong to

a running train, the Basic Law having laid

down a new track on which it would run. The conclusion was that "unless the train heads

for the beginning of the new track now, it might go off the rails and overturn." Douglas Hurd's comments to Li Peng

expressing the hope that "with your [Li's] help

this visit may mark a step forward in giving

greater practical content to cooperation between our two countries" seems to have

been in vain, at least for the time being. The

same article that reported this comment added, "a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman did not elaborate on the outcome of their discussion or the Hong Kong airport issue - besides quoting Premier Li Peng as saying that China has adopted a 'cooperative attitude' on

the issue of Hong Kong's new airport." It

seems clear that the Chinese are not as

interested in resolving concrete matters such as

the airport plan as they are in using such issues

to define the role China plays in Hong Kong

during these final years of British rule. Immigrant Demographics, frorr

Macau's Transition to Chinese Rule

by Susan Henders Hong Kong

After almost 450 years as a Portuguese manufacturing and Hong Kong weekend which is officially described as Chinese administered territory, Macau, the oldest gamblers. territory under Portuguese administration. European enclave in China, confronts an "Our future autonomy is forced, not "I don't think we've ever had a clearer cut uncertain future as it prepares for Beijing to natural," Macau Legislative Assembly plan for the next 60 years than we do now," take the reigns in less than nine years. On deputy, Alexandre Ho, said in an interview. Ramos commented. December 20, 1999, Macau will become a "We have to try to create the conditions If global business cycles cooperate and

Special Administrative Region of China, that will make it work, but it's very the strategy succeeds, economic success theoretically with the same "high degree of difficult." These measures include the could provide significant benefits for autonomy" and right to continue its strengthening of Macau's economic and Macau's political autonomy. Until now the capitalist, liberal way of life for 50 years as political infrastructure. main guarantee of its post- 1999 status as a granted to Hong Kong. However, The Portuguese say they are reluctant to liberal, capitalist enclave in communist

Portuguese officials and Macau people let the last remnant of their empire be China has been Beijing's desire not to do alike fear the People's Republic of China absorbed into Hong Kong or the anything in Macau that might upset will swallow Macau's almost 17 square neighbouring PRC Special Economic Zone business confidence in Hong Kong. The kilometres in one bite. In many ways of Zhuhai. After the debacles of Portuguese enclave is assuming the Chinese

Macau is already half way into the dragon's decolonization in Goa (now part of India), government would be more likely to keep mouth. Africa and East Timor (now part of its hands off if Macau is independently A Monaco of the Far East to the Hong Indonesia) in the 1960's and 1970's, Macau useful to China's economic modernization

Kong Chinese who crowd its casinos on is Portugal's last chance at a dignified, drive and if it has a higher international weekends, the Portuguese enclave has long peaceful exit. With the way smoothed by profile. Other potential barriers to PRC lived under the British colony's economic Lisbon's generally cordial relationship with interference, such as a strong local civil shadow, Lisbon's benign neglect and China, Portuguese officials are trying to service, independent judiciary and a vibrant China's political thumb. There are make the most of their last years in the political system, might not provide much

advantages to its close relationship with the enclave. help.

PRC, according to Edmund Ho, a In partnership with casino magnate Macau Chinese, few of whom have been prominent Macau Chinese banker and York Stanley Ho and Portuguese and PRC motivated to leam Portuguese, have

University alumnus. Ho, who received his investors, the present Macau government is traditionally been excluded from all but the high school as well as university education spending billions of dollars trying to lowest ranks of the civil service. All

in Canada, is considered to be Beijing's transform its faded colonial facade and government policy-making and senior choice for governor of Macau after 1999. quiet alleys into the chrome and glass-lined technical posts are occupied by expatriate "The majority of Macau people are willing streets of a booming regional service Portuguese on short-term contracts. The to work with China," Ho maintained in an centre. "It can't be autonomous politically, Macanese, 10,000-15,000 locally-born

interview. "In this respect it [the transition] in size or in population," concludes Joao de Eurasians who speak both Cantonese and

will go much more smoothly than in Hong Deus Ramos, an expatriate Portuguese who Portuguese, dominate the administrations 's

Kong." However, Ho, whose late father Ho is Macau's Secretary for Transitional middle ranks and act as intermediaries Yin was Beijing's unofficial representative Affairs. "The only place where we can do between Chinese residents and their

in Macau for years, admitted mere are other things is in the economy." Portuguese rulers. All of Macau's judges

problems to overcome if Macau is to make The government and its partners are and all but a handful of its lawyers are a successful transition to PRC rule. pushing ahead construction of the Portuguese. The rest are Macanese.

As the majority of its inhabitants were territory's new airport and deepwatcr port, The Portuguese have begun training

born in China and many are recent its first international transportation links younger local Chinese to assume senior immigrants, identity with Portuguese that do not depend on Hong Kong. With a civil service positions. This involves Macau is very weak and attachment to new 3.9 kilometre bridge to the PRC Portuguese language instruction so they can China is strong. Portuguese remains the border, high-tech industrial park, communicate with departing expatriate

territory's only official language although it technology institute and United Nations administrators and read the numerous is spoken by only 4% of Macau's 500,000 software centre also planned, the Por'uguese documents and laws of the

overwhelmingly Chinese residents. As a government hopes to attract enough colonial enclave. However, even if

result, very few local people have either the international investors to turn Macau into a localization efforts succeed, there is no linguistic or technical capacity to run the service hub for the west side of China's guarantee the newly-trained bureaucrats

Portuguese-style government or legal prosperous Pearl River delta. will stay in Macau beyond 1999. More than

system. Furthermore, Macau's economy is Portugal's history of uncertain 100,000 Macau people, most of them

dominated by Hong Kong investors in sovereignty in the territory has traditionally Chinese, have full Portuguese citizenship,

textiles, toys, plastics and electronics hampered its administration in Macau, including the right to live in Portugal and,

8 UPDATE after 1992, anywhere in the European Beijing's political influence in Macau Indians of Hong Kong: Community. Ironically, this will entitle has always been significant. Local Chinese them to live in Britain, an option available business, labour and kai fong Citizenship After 1997? to few Hong Kong Chinese under current (neighbourhood) associations with close

British nationality laws. ties to Beijing have secure control over the by Janet A . Rubinoff Opinion polls taken in late 1989 Portuguese Governor's Consultative Toronto indicated about one in five Macau Chinese Council and the Legislative Assembly, plan to emigrate, most to Canada, the which has had a minority of directly elected As the countdown to 1997 approaches, United States or Australia, and not to seats since 1976. it is not only the Chinese of Hong Kong Portugal. Younger, better educated Chinese With economic prosperity in recent who are concerned about their economic who make up the majority of new civil years, Macau society is better educated, and political fate under PRC sovereignty. service recruits are particularly distrustful richer and more pluralistic. In 1988 The nationality issue of ethnic minorities of China's intentions toward Macau and are Alexandre Ho's liberals won three out of like the Indians of Hong Kong - especially most likely to leave unless their confidence six of the elected seats in the assembly for those who hold British Dependent Territory improves. The 1989 polls found as many as the first lime. In May and June 1989, an Citizenship (BDTC) passports - is of of Macanese also plan to leave, estimated people 65% many 100,000 Macau particular concern. of them civil servants. demonstrated in support of the Tianamen One of the largest non-Chinese Prospects for a smooth transition are no Square student movement in Beijing, communities of Hong Kong are the ethnic better for the legal system. In 1989 the proportionately as many as marched in the Indians who number approximately 20,000. Macau government began in earnest to streets of Hong Kong. While the majority (15,300) of these translate Macau's Portuguese legal codes However, in the March 1991 interim remain Indian citizens, a number (4,518) into Chinese. It hopes to have the bulk of elections, traditional pro-Beijing forces who were bom in the territory or who have the job completed by late 1999, but it is still showed their tenacity by winning both of lived there for years are BDTC passport unclear who will be administering and two contested seats. Macau democracy holders [1986 Hong Kong Census]. It is the interpreting the law after the Portuguese activists worry that expanding the number concern of the latter that they will be leave. A new law program at Macau's of directly elected seats in the legislature - "stateless" after 1997. As one Indian University of East Asia (the name will indirectly elected and appointed deputies businessman in Hong Kong described his change to the University of Macau in the have the majority - will not bolster nationality situation, "Deep down, I am next academic year) will graduate the Macau's defenses against China, at least in nowhere. My family left Sind, now part of enclave's first class of Macau-trained the short run. Pakistan, after the partition of India and lawyers in 1993. However, difficulties in "If we open up now, we will only have came to Hong Kong. We are not citizens of studying law in Portuguese have forced the traditional business community, labour India, and our BDTC passports no longer some local Chinese to drop out of the unions and kai fong association parties give automatic right of abode in the U.K." program. Most of the first graduating class control everything," predicted Catarina The Joint Declaration and Basic Law will be expatriate Portuguese with little Mok, a Macau journalist. "When the civic failed to settle the nationality issue of Hong reason to remain in Macau although some education level is a little bit higher, then we Kong's minorities. In subsequent will be allowed to work for the post-1999 should have directly elected seats. more Memoranda between the PRC and UK government. "Without maintaining its political, legal and governments, Beijing has asserted only that Fortunately, the number of local administrative differences, without a the Chinese of Hong Kong will be Chinese law students is increasing itself distinct each population that sees as from automatically recognized as Chinese year. Nevertheless, Macau people still other Chinese, people like Catarina Mok citizens in the HK Special Administrative worry that shortages of local Chinese fear Macau could soon disappear into the Region. Other ethnic minorities like the administrators, interpreters, judges and flourishing economy of South China. Indian community will receive rights of lawyers after 1999 will it easier for make residence only and must apply for Chinese Beijing to bring in its own people to fill citizenship. On its part, Britain has vacant positions. Macau's Secretary for accepted the BDTC passports merely as Justice, Sebastiao Povoas, admitted that travel documents after 1997 that do not two PRC students in the first year of the confer a right of abode or citizenship in the Macau law program - both fluent in U.K. As a result, non-Chinese BDTC Portuguese and armed with mainland law passport holders feel doubly betrayed. As - degrees have caused some anxiety. one Indian researcher, Rup Narayan Das, However, he defends their presence by has concluded in a recent article, "The saying, "It's better to bring them into rights of residence [in Hong Kong] bereft Macau now than wait for them to come of the status of nationality reduces the after 1999 anyway, but without training in position of ethnic minorities to that of our way of understanding the law." aliens living in a foreign land" [The Other Hong Kong Report, 1990: 151].

Indians of Hong Kong, cont'd page 10

UPDATE 9 Indians of Hong Kong, from page 9 professionals and businessmen, prefer to latter is perceived to be a program mainly The Indian presence in the colony goes remain in Hong Kong though they for the Chinese of Hong Kong. back to its founding in 1841 when 2,700 recognize that this may not be possible The preferred destination for many is Indian soldiers and four traders after 1997. Many would like an "insurance Singapore or other cities of Southeast Asia accompanied the British landing forces in policy" for immigration just in case. In an - partly for the similarity of climate and life Hong Kong. As in other parts of the British optimistic assessment, Hari Harilela, a style and mainly for the favourable markets Empire during the 19th and early 20th prominent businessman and leader in the and tax laws comparable to Hong Kong. centuries, a number of lower echelon civil Indian community, said in a speech before For many of the less wealthy who retain servants and police were recruited from the Progressive Association of Indian Indian citizenship, the only option may be

India. In addition, a number of Indian businessmen on January 8, 1991, that to return to their country of origin. business families established themselves "Unfortunately, many people have come to However, in the case of ethnic Indians with over the years in Hong Kong and regard 1997 as a dead end.. ..they see no BDTC passports, New Delhi has claimed contributed significantly to the economic future here. However, I feel such thinking they are the responsibility of the UK development of the territory, especially is mistaken. Far from being the end of the government as British overseas citizens. after World War II. Two events in road, 1997 is only a transition point, What India would do after 1997 to accept particular stimulated the exodus of Hindu actually, even a new beginning.... refugees from Hong Kong of Indian origin business families to Hong Kong: the "Rather than concern themselves with is an open question. partition of India in 1947 and the political matters, Indians have always tried Because of differences in standards of Communist takeover of China in 1949 to concentrate their energies on economic living, tax structures and business

when Indian traders left Shanghai and development. In this way, we become an environment in India, many, if qualified,

Canton. asset to whatever government is in power. prefer to migrate to western countries,

The composition of the South Asian It is plain, therefore, to see that we can including Canada, the U.S. and Australia. community of Hong Kong is diverse and continue to be of use to the economic The Goans have a unique alternative to reflects the many different cultural groups continuity of Hong Kong, come 1997 and a their BDTC passports; as natives of a

of the Indian subcontinent. The largest long time thereafter." former Portuguese colony, they may still

group (roughly 50%), especially within the With this in mind, some Indian apply for Portuguese citizenship which business community, are of Sindhi origin businessmen have adopted a "wait and see" allows them after 1992 rights of abode

(from the city of Hyderabad, now part of attitude. Some have opted for closer ties anywhere in the European Community Pakistan). Some Sindhi families like the with China and have invested more heavily including the U.K. - a right that other Hong

now prominent Harilelas arrived in Hong in factories in Guangdong where labour is Kong Indians or Chinese do not have. in the early Kong 1930's from Canton or cheaper. Others, however, have considered Because it is perceived to have a fairer Singapore. The second largest group are the the option of emigration. In some cases and more open visa process and a stable

Sikhs who number about 2,000 and are parents, who retain their businesses or government, Canada is high on the list of

mainly employed in the police and armed careers in Hong Kong, have sent their preferred destinations. I interviewed several forces. Others include the Parsis who were children abroad to be educated and to Indian professionals and businessmen who the earliest traders to arrive with the British provide alternative employment - have recently immigrated to Toronto from in the mid- 19th century; the Marwaris, citizenship options. As one businessman in Hong Kong. Several have entered under the originally from Rajasthan, who fled Burma Hong Kong explained, the implications of retired class and have tried to re-establish in the 1960's; the Gujarati and Tamil this emigration of the younger generation their businesses or professional careers in traders who dominate the diamond market; have important repercussions on the joint Canada. They have found this difficult Goans from the former Portuguese colony Indian business family. Many Indian firms because of the recession and Canadian in India; and a small number of others. in Hong Kong are entirely family owned, restrictions on job experience and foreign Overall the Indian community like the Harilela enterprises. The loss of qualifications. Canada was attractive represents only 2% of Hong Kong's young adults and their dispersal in various because of its high standard of living and population, but it has done remarkably well western countries poses some threat to the educational opportunities for their children. in trade and manufacturing, especially to strength, flexibility and continuity of these One individual mentioned that it was not so non-western markets in Africa, South family firms and the unique family- much fear of the Chinese that had caused America or the Middle East. According to dominated business culture of the Indian him to immigrate but for better the Far Eastern Economic Review [April community. opportunities here for his children. He was 12, 1990: 44], over 400 Indian firms One approach of the Indian BDTC concerned about the possibility of "account for an estimated 10 % of passport holders has been to pressure the discrimination against ethnic minorities by Hongkong's annual USS75.8 billion in UK Government for recognition of rights of the Chinese government. Though many of exports." abode or full citizenship. They have felt the community had opted to remain in the Now Indian ethnic minorities are betrayed and abandoned by the British Hong Kong, one informant felt that if the faced with an uncertain future, and position, with its "undertone of racial business climate deteriorated after 1997, members of the community have discrimination," on immigration from Hong "most Indians would leave as there would considered a number of options. Most Kong and the recent Nationality Act [The be no future for them there." Indians, especially established Other Hong Kong Report, 1990: 153]. The

10 UPDATE For this issue of the Update, our research Chinese Cultural Centre (CCC) The Chinese Benevolent Association assistants in and Toronto Vancouver have The CCC mainly deals with cultural (CBA) compiled a list of organizations within the matters. Its objectives include the The CBA was founded in Victoria, B.C. Chinese and Hong Kong immigrant interpretation of China and its people to in 1906 and is one of the oldest Chinese communities in Canada which are concerned Canadians, the interchange of Canadian and Canadian organizations. It moved to with a variety of issues - social, cultural, Chinese cultural traditions, collaboration Vancouver during the 1930's when the political, economic - as well as with promoting with other local organizations in sponsoring concentration of Chinese increased in that ties between Canada and Hong Kong. We have only included a partial list here and will international artistic and cultural programs, city. At that time, the primary focus of the continue with others in the Fall issue of the and the promotion of better understanding association was to provide needy Chinese Update. We have also included several pictures and friendship between the Chinese immigrants with charity and relief funds. of Chinese areas of Vancouver and Toronto. community and other communities and In 1979, internal political dissension led ethnic groups. to the splitting of the membership and the Chinese-Canadian The idea for a Chinese cultural centre formation of another organization with a emerged from discussions at a conference in similar name, the Chinese Benevolent

Associations in 1973 held at the Wong's Benevolent Association of Canada (see below). Those Vancouver Association in Chinatown. At the time who remained in the CBA still use the delegates from Chinese community original name.

organizations formed a 21-member Cultural Today the CBA is an umbrella by Hugh Xiaobing Tan Centre Building Committee to set up an organization which has 48 group members, Vancouver independent entity to promote cultural including SUCCESS, the CCC and other United Chinese Community events. First registered in 1974, the CCC major organizations in Chinatown. sponsors a number of cultural as well as Individual membership is difficult to Enrichment Services Society (SUCCESS) training programs. One of the main events is determine since the fee is only SI per person the annual Spring Festival Celebration. The and there are a variety of ways to become a Founded in 1973, SUCCESS is a non- CCC also invites well known anists and member. The president of the association profit social service agency to assist Chinese performance groups from the PRC and Hong estimates about 10,000. Canadians in overcoming language and Kong to come to Canada. Its cultural classes Distinct from the service and cultural cultural barriers so that they can more include Chinese calligraphy, painting, Tai organizations, the CBA is mainly concerned successfully participate in Canadian society. chi, martial arts, dancing and Chinese with social and political issues within the Its purpose is to serve as a "bridge" between language training. Chinese Canadian community. It is one of the two cultures and traditions. SUCCESS A permanent building for the CCC was the organizations which initiated the recent provides services in five areas: family and completed in September 1980. The China Chinese Canadian National Conference that youth counselling, settlement and public Gate, which once stood at the entrance to the was held in Toronto, May 1991. One of the education, group and community Chinese pavilion at the 1986 Expo site, was major topics discussed at this conference development, employment services, and moved in 1988 to the main entrance of the was the head tax and redress issue. resource development. CCC building. Plans are now underway to In addition to its political concerns, the From its inception, clients have mainly construct a S2 million museum/library CBA also sponsors local social activities been from Hong Kong; however, especially complex in the Suzhou Garden style, and a such as the Chinese Spring Festival parade, after 1989, its services to immigrants from funding campaign has begun to solicit celebrations of the national days of Canada mainland China and Taiwan have donations. and the People's Republic of China, and considerably increased In 1990, the society At present, the organization employs 16 memorial ceremonies in the spring and provided over 1 10,000 service contacts for full time administrative staff plus about 40 autumn. 60,000 people, and this demand is expected program training teachers. Membership in to increase during 1991. Most of its clientele the Centre has reached over 1,300. A new Chinese Benevolent Association of are between 20 and 40 years old. office has been opened in Richmond where Canada (CBAC) Now in its 18th year of operation, the many Chinese immigrants have recently After splitting from the CBA in 1979, the organization is well known to the general settled. CBAC has a group membership of 1 1 and an public. Its executive administrators, Maggie individual membership of 600, most of Ip and Lilian To, are often featured in the whom have immigrated from Taiwan. It is local Chinese newspapers. SUCCESS not only a Vancouver-based organization but employs 40 full-time and 35 part-time also the headquarters of CBAC branches people as well as 1,000 volunteers. Having across Canada. Each year delegates from begun with only one office on Hastings different provinces come together to hold Street, the organization is now located in the general meetings. centre of Chinatown and occupies the entire The CBAC mainly concentrates on social second floor of the Beijing Building. activities, entertainment and education. It Subsidiary offices are located in the South sponsors both a Chinese music and a Tai Chi Vancouver area, Richmond and Burnaby.

Gate to the Chinese Cultural Centre Vancouver Associations, cont'd page 12

UPDATE 11 1

Associations, from page 1 Wong's Benevolent Association Chinese Canadian group. It also provides financial support for (WBA) Associations in Toronto the Overseas Chinese Public School where The WBA is one of the biggest and students are taught in Mandarin. In addition, oldest clan-charity organizations in by Irene Tong the CBAC serves as an arbitrator over minor Vancouver's Chinatown. It was founded in Toronto disputes within the Chinese Canadian 191 1. Since the main goal of the WBA is to

community. Recently it invited 14 famous strengthen connections between the Wong of Taiwanese cooks to Vancouver to hold a people/clan, anyone with the family name The Chinese Cultural Centre Greater Toronto (CCC) Food Art Festival, also known as the "Feast Wong can join. At present it has a total Since the formation of the Steering of the Chinese New Year." The festival was membership of 700 who work in a variety of Committee in the summer of 1988, the the first of its kind in Vancouver and industries. CCC has grown to about 130 members. As a non- aroused considerable interest from the It has two subsidiary organizations: the political, non-religious and non-profit community. In addition to encouraging its Mon Keang School and the Hon Hsing organization, it aims to preserve and promote young members to visit Taiwan, each year Athletic Group. The former is said to be the culture heritage as part of the association sends a delegation to Taiwan only Chinese school run by a clan Chinese and multicultural development in Canada. It also for the October 10th celebration. organization in North America. It recruits provides a focal point for the cultural students who were bom in Canada and want activities of the Chinese Canadian The Vancouver Chinese Freemasons to learn Chinese. The major activity of the community. (VCF) athletic group is the performance of the lion The activities planned for this year Founded in 1888, the VCF is probably dance and accompanying music and drums. CCC's include hosting a pavilion at Caravan 1991, the oldest Chinese Canadian organization in In addition to its cultural activities, the WBA to the Dragon Boat Race, this country. Because of the discrimination has also recently been concerned with sending teams organizing a concert on Chinese music and Chinese faced at the time, the organization political issues like the head tax and other hosting table tennis tournament. provided protection and assistance to the concerns of the Chinese community. a community and negotiated with the Address: Mills Unit government Therefore, 80% of the Chinese 900 Don Road, 3 immigrants in Vancouver belonged to the Toronto, Ontario M3C 1V8 VCF. Executive Committee Chairman: Dr. Ming Tak Cheung The Vancouver branch is part of the world wide network of Chinese Freemasons. (416) 445-2808 The original revolutionary goal of the Chinese Freemasons was to overturn the Toronto Chinese Business Association and restore the Ming. In fact, The Association was founded in 1972 as a when Dr. Sun Yat-sen visited Vancouver to non-profit business community group and promote his revolutionary activities, he was has now a membership of about 1,100, one-

supported by the VCF. In order to publicize third of which is under a sister organization,

its goals, the VCF founded The Chinese the Ontario Chinese Restaurant Association. Times daily newspaper in 1907. As the There has been a shift in membership from oldest Chinese press in continuous consumer and retail businesses to major publication in Canada, the paper provides corporations in the manufacturing sector and

valuable information on the history of the professionals. It aims to represent the Vancouver Chinese community. Toronto Chinese business community in

Today the VCF is still one of the major response to legislation and government organizations in Vancouver's Chinatown, policies, such as the Occupational Health and with a membership of more than 3,000 Safety Act, the Workers' Compensation Act Wong Benevolent Association people. Its subsidiary association, the and the Employment Equity Act. It has also

Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club, is well been playing an advisory and participatory

known in the community for its variety of Chinese Consumers' Association of role on issues such as the City of Toronto sports activities. A recent achievement of the Vancouver (CCAV) 1991 Official Plan, the street vendor problem VCF is the completion of the Chinese Founded in 1986, the CCAV has now and Sunday shopping in Chinatown.

Freemasons' Senior Building. This 81-unit more than 200 members. Its main goal is to In promoting and assisting Canadian complex was funded by the government and serve as negotiator for potential conflicts Chinese businesses, the Association has

is very close to Vancouver's Chinatown. between consumers and retailers. Its present established links with the Hong Kong

Plans are in progress to build similar homes chairwomen is a recent UBC law graduate Government, the Hong Kong Trade for Chinese senior citizens in Victoria and who immigrated to Vancouver with her Development Council and the Hong Kong Kamloops. family from Hong Kong eight years ago. Tourist Association. Address: P.O. Box 100, Station B

12 UPDATE Toronto, Ontario VIST 2C3 monitoring the media and by fighting TADC wrote to the Secretary of State for (416) 595-0313 stereotyping and institutional racism. To External Affairs, Mr. Joe Clark, in support of heighten political awareness and partici- Canada's suspension of normal relations with in Hong Kong Canada Business pation, it sponsors candidates' meetings, China until human rights were respected Association (HKCBA) informs the public of important issues, Beijing. It also supplied information to the The HKCBA was established in 1984 to organizes poliucal awareness workshops and fact-finding mission of the parliamentary bring together business people in Canada writes to various levels of government. delegation on human rights in China. who are interested in strengthening trade In concrete terms, the CCNC has recently Together with other groups in Toronto, the relationships with Hong Kong. It has more undertaken a survey on perceptions of TADC organized a protest and forum on the than 3,500 members, both corporate and prejudice and racism in Vancouver and Chinese National Day. A joint press individual, in 1 1 Canadian cities; the Toronto Toronto. It hopes to cooperate with conference was held on the International Day section alone has about 600. governments to eliminate anti-immigrant for Human Rights on human rights violations

As the major objective is to promote feelings and to recognize foreign in China. bilateral contacts, trade and investment professional accreditation. It is also pushing TADC continues to work closely with between Canada and Hong Kong, the federal, provincial, and municipal and provide some funding for Chinese HKCBA tries to act as an information governments to implement mandatory students and scholars in Canada who clearing-house. Both the Association's employment equity programs for the benefit participated in the democracy movement In national newsletter, The Hong Kong of minority groups. Since 1984 the CCNC addition to organizing a series of educational Monitor, and the monthly bulletin published has been at the forefront of the campaign for seminars on Chinese politics and culture, it by the individual sections inform members of redress of the wrongs suffered because of the sponsored the first North American current economic and poliucal developments head tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act. Conference of Community-Based in Canada and Hong Kong as they affect The CCNC also seeks to cultivate in Organizations in San Francisco and hosted trade and business relations. In the Toronto individuals of Chinese descent, a desire to the second one in Toronto in April this year. Section, monthly workshops and occasional know and to respect their historical and (see p. 16) On some occasions, eye-witnesses seminars, luncheons and dinner meetings are cultural heritage, and to promote mutual to the massacre were invited to speak. It will

organized not only as a forum for increasing understanding between Chinese Canadians continue to monitor the suppression of knowledge through presentations by experts, and other ethnic, cultural and racial groups in dissidents and secret trials taking place in

but also as an opportunity for networking. Canada. This is often done through cultural China and to call for the release of poliucal

The Association also tries to represent its and social activities, such as festivals, fairs prisoners. Representatives of TADC also

members' opinions and concerns to the and exhibitions. attend meetings of other similar business community and to governments. Address: organizations as part of its liaison and

Occasional missions to Hong Kong are 386 Bathurst St., 2nd Floor networking effort It shows concern and arranged, often in cooperation with the Hong Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S6 support for other groups such as the Tibetan Kong Trade Development Council. This President (Toronto Chapter): Amy Go people, the Lithuanian community and South

June, it is taking a major role in Festival (416) 868-1777 Africans. Canada 1991 in Hong Kong. Address: Address: Toronto Association For Democracy in Suite 407, 253 College Street 347 Bay Street, Suite 1100 China (TADC) Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R5 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2R7 Formerly known as the Toronto Chairperson: Dick Chan President (Toronto Section): Committee of Concerned Chinese Canadians (416) 931-7621 James Klotz Supporting the Democracy Movement in (416) 366-2642 China (formed on May 20, 1989), TADC was incorporated as a non-profit organization

Chinese Canadian National Council in Ontario in April, 1990. It now has about (CCNC) 200 members. Its main objectives are to

Since its inception in 1979, the CCNC educate the Canadian public and lobby the has grown to include 29 local chapters and government on democracy and human rights

affiliates across Canada. As the Council was issues (e.g. Mohawk rights), and to provide bom of a collective reaction against media support for non-violent, pro-democracy

reporting with racist overtones, its main movements around the world, particularly in

objective is to create an environment which China.

fully recognizes and protects the rights of all In 1990 it organized activities on the individuals, particularly those of Chinese theme "We will not forget the June 4

Canadians, and their full and equal partici- Massacre." During the May-June period

pation in Canadian society. The realization of ("Democracy Month"), a large-scale Concert

this objective is sought through the for Democracy was organized, followed by a development of a strong national voice and drawing contest, an art exhibition and a rally

an effective communications network, by in Toronto. As part of its lobbying effort, Spadina Chinatown

UPDATE 13 Support for Hong Kong in the UK

by Harriet Clompus London

When the Joint Declaration between Address: all Hong Kong citizens. It was set up in 1989 Britain and China was signed in 1984, the 301 Radnor House by Gideon Lung, an Oxford postgraduate prevailing attitude in London was that duties 93 Regent St., London VV1R 7TE student from Hong Kong, after the Peking to Hong Kong had been satisfactorily massacre. discharged and that there was little need for The Anglo-Hong Kong Trust In general the British Chinese community disquiet. This perception was reflected in the Founded in 1988 by two British and two has been notably quiet on the issue of relatively small number of organizations, Hong Kong businessmen, the Anglo-Hong passports for Hong Kong citizens. It has been MP's or other prominent people who made Kong Trust aims "to preserve the special ambivalent towards the prospect of mass

Hong Kong or safeguards for its people a relationship existing between Hong Kong immigration from Hong Kong because of the particular focus of their interests. and Britain for the last 150 years." It perceived threat that an influx of new Since the Peking massacre of June 1989 maintains strong links with Hong Kong and Chinese talent would pose to their position in and the subsequent introduction of the HK expatriate Hong Kong businessmen, and has British society [The Times, April 5, 1990: 2]. Nationality Bill in April 1990, the issue of Councils in both countries. The organization Hong Kong Link, based within the Chinese Hong Kong's future has attracted greater stresses the benefit of economic and cultural community, has challenged the assumption media coverage in the UK. Organizations ties between Britain, Hong Kong and China that this was the attitude of all Chinese in campaigning for a more open immigration and seeks to promote understanding through Britain. policy and greater democracy in Hong Kong cultural and educational exchanges as well as were set up while existing groups increased through the sponsorship of regular seminars Politicians their activities. In addition, many public for businessmen and professionals from the The Hong Kong Immigration Act was figures spoke out on these issues. three countries. extremely unpopular amongst right wing

The level of activity over Hong Kong One of its most important projects was Tory MP's who viewed it as a relaxation of should not be overstated. Now that the the establishment of Hong Kong's first the tough immigration policy on which they immigration controversy is considered to be Business School of Management for had come to power. In language little short of settled (see UK Nationality Package, p. 3), Executives. The Trust also supports racist, Conservative MP Tony Marlow there has been a concomitant decline in Hong numerous cultural activities like the building registered his disgust at the "government

Kong's media profile. Consequently, there is of a new opera house in the Midlands and gaily deciding to let another quarter of a decreasing public awareness of and interest exchange programs that send British million in." of this "anti-Hong in Hong Kong. Below are listed the main musicians to Hong Kong and Hong Kong Kong group" was Norman Tebbit, former organizations and notable individuals in artists to Britain. Recently in February 1991, Conservative Party Chairman, who was Britain involved with Hong Kong issues. the Trust organized a concert of leading particularly vociferous in his attacks during

young musicians from Hong Kong at the the passage of the Act through Parliament. Friends of Hong Kong Committee Royal Festival Hall in London. The event Labour's official policy on Hong Kong This organization was set up in 1986 in was attended by Princess Alexandra and has not been very consistent. In January response to uneasiness about the return of Douglas Hurd, the Foreign Secretary. 1990, Gerald Kaufman, shadow foreign Hong Kong to Mainland China in 1997. Address: secretary, said regarding the immigration Highlighting the general British 58 St James's Street issue that a Labour government would allow complacency on Hong Kong issues, the London SW1 only a few thousand Hong Kong Indians,

Committee in a press release stated, "It is a war-widows and British intelligence staff to matter of some pride to reflect that our Honour Hong Kong be given British citizenship. However, the

Committee then and subsequently was This association was organized in 1989 party's official policy was to vote for the bill almost alone in taking a more sceptical view by a group of British businessmen with links so that it would not be viewed as voting with

[of the Joint Declaration]." to Hong Kong. Its major function is to the Tory right wing.

The main activity of the Committee is the promote awareness of the Hong Kong The Liberal Democrats have claimed a publication of a quarterly release, The Hong predicament and to pressure the British special concern for Hong Kong and have

Kong Monitor, which provides current government for a fair and "honourable" stressed the promotion and safeguarding of information on events in Hong Kong, China immigration policy for the colony. democracy in the territory before and after and elsewhere. It also sponsors periodic Address: 1997. In part this position is due to the seminars on matters of concern about Hong 67-69 Whitfield Street commitment of Liberal leader Paddy Kong. Its seminar in July 1989 in response to London W1P5RL Ashdown, who was stationed in Hong Kong the Peking massacre attracted considerable as an army officer and speaks Cantonese. In publicity and was well attended. A number of The Hong Kong Link a recent letter to The Guardian (April 6, distinguished people, including academics, Hong Kong Link is a London-based 1991), five Liberal Democrats wrote on the politicians, businessmen and military officers, lobby group calling for the democratization occasion of Douglas Hurd's visit to China, to are members of its Board of Directors. of Hong Kong and for British passports for criticize the Conservative Government's

14 UPDATE 1

"lack of concern over the half-hcaned Winnipeg Hosts First National Meeting of Chinese approach to democracy" that has been allowed to exist in Hong Kong. Canadians Since 1975 Support of individual MP's for Hong by Stephanie Gould Kong can also be determined from their list of interests in Dodd's Parliamentary Year Winnipeg Book. These On March 22-24, the include: Winnipeg Chinese housing market. With traffic pollution, noise Robert J. Ad ley (Conservative, Cultural and Community Centre hosted a and security problems, Toronto is gaining a Christchurch) - symposium on challenges facing member of the British the Chinese negative image." He would like to see a Chinese Community in Parliamentary Group. Canada in the 1990's. coordinated effort on the pan of the RL Hon. Discussion focused Jack Ashley (Labour, Stoke-on- on immigrant youth government to encourage investors Trent) - interest in issues ("Asian /High China and Hong Kong. Achievers in from Hong Kong to develop industries and J.W. - Academic Institutes"), Bray (Labour, Motherwell S.) entrepreneur and create jobs. He hopes that future investment Hong investor immigrant Kong and overseas development. issues, and the head tax in Manitoba will lead to new, wealthy J.R. redress question. It was the Couchman (Conservative, first national immigrants from Hong Kong creating jobs to Gillingham) gathering of -concern with Hong Kong and Chinese Canadians since 1975, help poorer Indochinese refugees. China. when the community met in Vancouver to He would also like to see the Manitoba discuss the Robert Parry (Labour, Liverpool federal government's Green government spend money on outreach Riverside) - Paper on Immigration. patron of the UN Association of programs for immigrants. He believes Hong Kong According to Dr. 1976, Association for Joseph Du, President of education and social activities are important Democracy the Winnipeg Chinese in Hong Kong 1980, Association Cultural and in the assimilation and settling of immigrants of the Promotion of Public Justice in Hong Community Centre, "This conference should to Canada. Kong, 1984, and have happened a long time founder president of the ago. The Chinese The "head tax" issue and redress are Hong community in Kong Peace Association, 1986. Canada is growing rapidly, important to the Winnipeg Chinese Robert E. with a population Sims (Conservative, of well over 700,000. community, and there are diverse opinions Christchurch) - found a need for the Winnipeg former director of Inchcape conference on the issue. "Some younger groups are a International, lists several years back, but I didn't Hong Kong as an interest. get the same little bit more militant to say the least," says P. level of Wall (Labour, Bradford North) - enthusiasm and government response Dr. Du. Recently, the Chinese Canadian interests in until last year." Hong Kong and China. National Council, Winnipeg Chapter, issued Dr. Du believes immigration regulations the following statement: "As Canadians, we Commentators must be changed to accommodate the recognize that our society can only be as Bernard Levin, realistic needs of columnist in The Times, immigrants from Hong sirong as our weakest link and that has written Kong. several articles criticizing the He believes the regulation that discrimination directed against any one British requires government's handling of Hong immigrants to stay in Canada six group is an injustice to all." Kong issues, in months plus one particular what he sees as the day in order to qualify for a According to Dr. Du, "The new Hong government's conciliatory visa is forcing many stance towards immigrants to become Kong immigrants couldn't care less because Peking. "astronauts." "That is ridiculous. That's they don't know Canadian history anyway. Peter Jenkins, created a situation in columnist in The which a lot of people So the head tax and exclusion act are pretty Independent, are flying back and has also been critical of the forth," says Dr. Du. foreign to them. And the boat people also Hong Many Kong Immigration Act, which he immigrants have difficulty don't feel very strongly because they don't dubbed "the understanding the prejudicial numbers game," and differences in labour and know very much about it It's the older of safety the British government's lacklustre pursuit codes and zoning laws. Dr. Du, organizations such as the Chinese Benevolent of therefore, democracy for Hong Kong. believes that immigration Association, Chinese Freemason Society and John Walden, regulations should be former Director of Home relaxed to make it some of the immigrants that came here in the Affairs possible for in the Hong Kong government, has investor immigrants to figure out 1960's and 1970's that care." also been how to set up a viable an outspoken critic of the U.K. business before they In 1984 a group of senior citizens in government's are required to live here Hong Kong policy. In addition for prolonged Winnipeg asked Dr. Du to speak on their to his book, Excellency, periods of time. Your Slip is He recommends that the behalf. "In fact, they turned in all their head Showing! immigration process (1983), he has written several should be speeded up tax certificates to me. We have over thirty articles "so people who on the Immigration Act, which he want to come can come. If pieces of original paper. Whether these are to described Canada wants capital in the Times (June 29, 1989) as a investment plus be used for redress or put in an archive in the "scheme eventually for all which comes too late and offers too these people to come here, Chinese Cultural Centre will remain to be little," on Sino-British relations, and on then we have to review our policy and maybe seen," said Dr. Du. democratic rights in Hong Kong. make it a bit more appealing." At the conclusion of the Winnipeg Manitoba is not a favoured destination for conference, the Chinese community decided investor immigrants from Hong Kong. that demands for redress should not put too However, Dr. Du maintains that will change. much emphasis on dollars and cents because "I think that people will start moving away Canada is in a recession and many Canadians from Toronto because of saturation and the Winnipeg Meeting, cont'd, page 16

UPDATE 15 Winnipeg Meeting, from page 15 Two Project Workshops in June are losing their jobs. "We decided to ask for The second and third workshops for the Some Legal Considerations," will be held at something more reasonable and acceptable to Canada and Hong Kong Project are to be held the University of Hong Kong on June 26 in the Canadian public. Redress could be an in June. One workshop, "Dialogue on Hong conjunction with "Festival Canada 1991." apology, a guarantee that it won't happen Kong: Coverage of Hong Kong issues in the (see p.2) This workshop is jointly organized again, the rewriting of Canadian history Canadian media," will take place in by the Faculty of Law, University of Hong books in schools so that future generations Vancouver at Simon Eraser University Kong and the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific will know about the head tax and exclusion Harbour Centre on Saturday, June 15. This Studies. Its convenor is Prof. William Angus act, or symbolic compensation," Dr. Du session will include over thirty invited of Osgoode Hall, York University. Five suggested. participants from the English and Chinese papers will cover the following topics: "Hong An expanded Chinese Canadian National media in Vancouver and Toronto as well as Kong's International Personality - Issues and Conference was held on May 18-19 at the academics, members of the federal and Implications," by Dr. Roda Mushkat, Faculty downtown Holiday Inn in Toronto. The provincial governments, free lance of Law, Hong Kong University; "Coming agenda was similar to that of the Winnipeg journalists, members of the Vancouver and and Going under Immigration and Refugee conference but included discussion on the Toronto police, and other specialists on Hong Law," by Prof. W. Angus; "Civil Proceedings

Canadian constitution and the Chinese Kong/Canada relations. Four sessions at the Arrangements between Hong Kong and community's increased participation in meeting will cover the topics of Hong Kong Canada: Service of Documents, Taking of

Canadian politics. investment and trade in Canada, the impact of Evidence and Enforcement of Judgments," by

immigration, political issues such as civil Prof. Maurice Copithome of the University of

rights, and special issues in media coverage, British Columbia and former Commissioner including the role of the Chinese-language for Canada in Hong Kong; "Extradition Director Lectures on press and ethical issues in press reporting. Between Hong Kong and Canada," by Janice Hong Kong The workshop is jointly sponsored by the Brabyn, Faculty of Law, University of Hong Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Kong; and "Personal and Corporate Status in Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies. Hong Kong," by Philip Smart, Faculty of Diana Lary recently gave two Another workshop focusing on Law, University of Hong Kong. The papers lectures in England on issues related to international law, "Canada - Hong Kong: will be published by the Project in the fall. Hong Kong. The first, on the internationalization of Hong Kong, was at Chatham House (Royal Institute of Lu Ping: Assurances on Hong Kong's Future

International Affairs) on April 25. The In an address to the Hong Kong as a stable and prosperous financial and second, on emigration from Hong General Chamber of Commerce on trade centre. He also promised a great Kong, was part of a conference on a March 8th, Lu Ping, director of the Hong future for Hong Kong as a "bridge, Commonwealth issues research network Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the channel and window" between China and held at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor State Council, reassured business people the rest of the world (Hong Kong Digest, Great Park from April 26-28. about the secure future of Hong Kong March 15th, 1991).

Conference on Human Rights and Democracy in China

The second North American poetry reading. The Coalition presented a whole. Szcto Wah, of the Hong Kong Community Based Organizations Human Rights awards to Tania Chen, an Alliance, called for people from Hong conference on human rights and democracy activist in New York, to Felice Gaer, of the Kong living abroad to keep up the pressure in China was held on April 6-7 at the International League for Human Rights, for change in China. He stressed how

University of Toronto. The conference was and, in absentia, to Ren Wanding, who is in crucial this would be for Hong Kong in the organized by the North American Coalition prison in China. Citations were presented to future. Ching Cheong, the chief editor of for Chinese Democracy and was opened by the Toronto City Council, Amnesty Contemporary News, Hong Kong, talked the mayor of Toronto, Art Eggleton. The International and Asia Watch. about the "demonstration effect" of human keynote speaker was the Honourable Bob Three hundred delegates attended the rights activity in Hong Kong for the future Rae, premier of Ontario. Ed Broadbent, the conference, ninety of them from outside of China. He encouraged emigrants to keep

president of the International Centre for Toronto: there were delegates from the in touch with what is going on in Hong Human Rights and Democratic United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Kong and to work for human rights there. Development in Montreal, spoke on the Switzerland, and Hong Kong. A resolution He saw a pattern of human rights advocacy Fifth Modernization in China - the advocating human rights and democracy moving from Chinese abroad to Hong

introduction of democracy. Gordon Cressy, was passed at the end of the meeting. A Kong, then on to Guangdong and finally to Vice-President, University of Toronto, connection was made by a number of the rest of China. spoke on behalf of the university. Duo Duo, speakers between the future human rights poet in residence at York University, gave a situation in Hong Kong and that in China as 7f CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Number 5 FALL 1991 FESTIVAL CANADA '91

The first of two festivals celebrating the Festival Events luncheon. His theme Canada/Hong Kong relationship was MAY 22nd-26th was that the grow- held this year. During his visit to Canada The visit of Prime Minister Mulroney to ing relationship in May, 1990, the governor of Hong Hong Kong, to launch the Festival. (See FESTIVAL between Kong, Sir David Wilson, and Prime Update, 4. Spring 1991.) Canada and Minister Brian Mulroney agreed to hold Hong Kong reciprocal festivals. Festival Canada was JUNE 19th CANADAO was a win- held in Hong Kong in May and June. The official opening of the heart of win situation, firj * * In / I and that the 1991: Festival Hong Kong will be held Festival Canada took place at a luncheon CANADA AND HONG KONG of relationship. in Canada next year. organized by the Canadian Chamber / riendt Yesterday, Today at Festival Canada '91 was composed of Commerce in Hong Kong. The speakers it carefully a large number of events coordinated b\ were John Higginbotham. Commissioner nurtured, would bring great benefit to both the Canadian Commission: the chairman for Canada, and the Governor of Hong sides. Victor Li. senior vice-president of of the Board of Festival Canada was Kong, Sir David Wilson. Both speakers Concord Pacific Holdings, spoke of the bene- John Higginbotham. the referred to the overall theme of the fits of investment in Canada for various types Commissioner for Canada. Festival. Canada and Hong Kong: of Hong Kong investors. There was active involvement in Friends Yesterday, Today and planning the Festival from provincial Tomorrow. Sir David spoke of the "cele- JUNE 20th offices in Hong Kong, community asso- bration of a very healthy relationship", and A Gala Fashion Show featured styles by a ciations, 15 alumni associations of the "demonstration of ties that bind." (see number of Canadian designers, including

Canadian universities and 20 corpora- his Speech, p. 3) Alfred Sung, a native of Hong Kong. About tions. Funding for the Festival was three hundred people were at the show and

largely through private sponsorship: the JUNE 20th the dinner which preceded it. Canadian Government provided 20% of The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada the total. held a symposium on An Enduring JUNE21st-22nd Much of the Festival w as made up of Partnership, Planning the Co-prosperity A three day conference on the Hong Kong formal events, but there were also con- of Canada and Hong Kong. The day-long Bill of Rights Conference was organized by

tinuing activities which ran throughout series of panels looked at the economic the Faculty of Law. University of Hong the two weeks of the Festival and gave interrelationships between Canada and Kong. The Canadian Government was one of

prominence to Canada in many parts of Hong Kong. It was coordinated by Yao the conference sponsors and arranged the

Hong Kong. Wei. Asia Pacific Foundation, Vancouver. \ isits of a number of Canadian legal experts. The Honourable David Lam. Lieutenant The Canadian contributors were Madam

Governor of British Columbia, spoke at the Festival Canada cont'i page 2

IN THIS ISSUE: Reporting Crime Statistics 4 PADS Agreement I Controversy o\er Diaries 5 Hong Kong Elections 12 '91 12 Festival Canada 1 Regional Variations 6 Emigration from Hong Kong 12 Hong Kong Festival in Canada '92 2 Hong Kong Students in Ontario 7 Choosing to Stay Behind 14 Sir David Wilson's Speech 3 Hong Kong's New Manufacturing Base 8 Associations Comments by John Higginbotham 3 Japan & Hong Kong Trade 9 Conferences IS per F1029.5 H6 C36 Justice Bertha Wilson (former judge of the Western paintings, transposed to a Chinese Columbia, was widely interviewed. Art Court of Appeal, Supreme Court), the Hon. setting. The Last Supper is a variant of Eggleton, the mayor of Toronto, attended a Mr. Justice Walter Tamopolsky (Ontario Leonardo's work, but with Christ and the number of events. Miss Canada, Leslie Supreme Court of Appeal), Professor Disciples Chinese and a portrait of Mao McLaren, was in Hong Kong for much of Rosemary Cairns Way (University of Zedong on the wall behind them. Butterfly the Festival and christened a new Canadian Ottawa) and Chief Superintendent Patrick in a Dream is a female nude painted from Airlines International aircraft. Cummins (RCMP, Vancouver). They spoke the rear, gazing at a picture of Chairman on various aspects of the implementation of Mao. Huang immigrated to Canada from Business Meetings the Charter of Rights in Canada, and the Guangdong in 1984. Several business organizations held lessons there might be for Hong Kong. (See There were also exhibitions of paintings meetings to coincide with the Festival. The

Rights Conference, p. 18.) by Karen Kulyk and of pottery by Laura All Asia Canadian Business Association Wee Lay Laq. held its annual meeting, as did the Hong JUNE 22nd Many prominent Canadians were in Kong Canada Business Association. The The Colourful Canada Ball was arranged town for the Festival. The Honourable government of British Columbia mounted a by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. It David Lam, Lieutenant Governor of British British Columbia Film Industry Seminar. was attended by about 400 people.

JUNE 25 th A seminar on Legal Issues between Canada and Hong Kong was put on by the Canada and Hong Kong Project and the Faculty of Law, University of Hong Kong. (See Legal

Workshop, p. 19)

JUNE 30th The Celebrate Canada Picnic was held at Happy Valley Racecourse. The event was widely advertised, and anyone who wanted

to celebrate Canada was invited. About 28,000 people came.

JULY 1st

The last event of the Festival was the dedica- Chinese Canadian mounties

tion of a totem pole (p. 1), carved by Tahltan-Tlingit artists Dale and Terry

Campbell, in Kowloon Park, as an enduring symbol of the Festival. The pole had been Hong Kong Festival in Canada '92 presented by Prime Minister Mulroney on As a counterpart to the recent Canada the theme of the festival will be "Hong Kong May 24th to Sir David Wilson. The dedica- Festival in Kong, a reciprocal event is and Canada: Friends Across the Ocean." tion involved a Tshimishan ceremony, Hong now being planned to take place in cities Major highlights will include trade and busi- attended by First Nauon representatives in for the fall In addi- ness promotion, cultural performances, food traditional costume. across Canada of 1992. tion to the Hong Kong Government and the festivals, films shows, exhibitions related to Cultural Events Urban and Regional Councils, a number of Hong Kong and recreation and sports events. associations are involved in the organization It is also proposed to celebrate the Lantern The Festival included a number of cul- of events. include the Festival which falls within this time period. tural events spread out through the Festival. They Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Tourist In addition, cultural galas will be organized There was a cinema festival of ten Canadian HK Association, the Hong Kong-Canada to raise funds for local Canadian charities. films. Bethune, the Making of a Hero, a Business Association, and other major orga- The festival will occur in a number of cities PRC/Canadian co-production, had its Hong Kong premiere. There were performances nizations in Hong Kong and Canada as well with the main events in Toronto and as local community leaders of the Chinese- Vancouver. by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, by cel- Canadian community. The Canada and Hong Kong Project is list Ofra Harnoy, by dancer Margie Gillis, in events for Toronto. and by pianist Jean-Paul Sevilla. Like Festival Canada, the Hong Kong involved planning One is of the Huang Zhongyang's pictures, exhibited Festival will feature a wide range of cultural, proposed activity a continuation sporting, held last June in Hong at the Cultural Centre, caused considerable social and business events with the Legal Issues Workshop Topics include a com- interest with their novel combination of objective of promoting better integration of Kong (see p. 19). may of Canadian Charter with the new Chinese and Western themes. Some of the the Hong Kong Chinese into Canadian com- parison the munities. According to Bill of Rights. most striking paintings are based on James So, Hong Hong Kong Kong Secretary for Recreation and Culture,

2 UPDATE Sir David Wilson's Speech Opening of Festival Canada '91

"Last month the Prime Minister of of Hong Kong's unique blend of cast and for economic growth are at least as good in Canada came to Hong Kong as a very wel- west. That success has meant for the people Hong Kong as anywhere in the world. come guest. He launched Festival Canada of Hong Kong a real growth in incomes. We welcome this Canadian involvement. '91. The finishing touches have now been This growth has averaged over 3% a year And we welcome the very practical interest made. The entertainers have arrived. The for the past 15 years. It has meant new which Canada has taken in Hong Kong. The exhibitions have been set up. The heart of housing, schools, hospitals, parks, museums 's visit to Hong the festival is about to begin. and the amenities of modem life. And it has Kong last month was a most welcome

Festival Canada is a celebration of a very meant the transformation of this city from a demonstration of that interest. In his speech- healthy relationship. It is a demonstration of manufacturer of cheap products to a finan- es here and in his meetings with me, he left the common interests which bind our two cial, business, transport and telecommunica- a strong impression of the goodwill towards communities together. It is also an enter- tions centre serving the region and the Hong Kong that exists in Canada and of tainment, bringing to Hong Kong examples world. Canada's conviction of the value to the of Canada's heritage, its culture and the Success has also meant a rapid growth in international community of Hong Kong's way Canadians enjoy themselves. Hong Kong's commercial and trading links. continued success.

I am very pleased that Hong Kong is We have played an important part in the We treasure this goodwill. We recipro- hosting an important festival of celebration tremendous growth of trans-Pacific trade. cate the feelings of friendship. And we look with such a friend as Canada. Hong Kong And we have made a substantial contribu- forward to showing Canadians more about has much to celebrate. It also has need of tion to the development of southern China's Hong Kong next year. Some of you who are friends. We face a number of challenges. It economy. Some of you will be familiar with visiting from Canada are already involved is good to enjoy what is going right, while the statistics. But they are worth repeating. in the planning for the Hong Kong Festival tackling what still needs to be put right. About two million workers in Guangdong which will take place in cities across The contrast between some of the more Province are employed by Hong Kong Canada in the autumn of 1992. That will be alarmist news stories about Hong Kong and enterprises, over twice the size of our own our opportunity to give pleasure and enjoy- what is actually happening here may strike manufacturing workforce; and about 70% of ment in return; our chance to demonstrate visitors from Canada more forcibly than overseas investment in China derives from how much Hong Kong has to offer. those of us who live in this unique territory. Hong Kong. What is less well known is just But this year it is Canada's turn. I con- But we too can sometimes lose sight of the how successful this process has been. The gratulate the organizers of Festival Canada broader picture. We are sometimes prone to value of exports from Guangdong Province on putting together such an impressive being too obsessed with whatever is our grew by over 40% last year alone. The com- range of entertainment It represents a great immediate problem. We need to remind bined talents of Guangdong and Hong Kong deal of effort, imagination and financial ourselves from time to time about the is proving a powerful combination. The support. It is a demonstration of the way the broader picture. potential is tremendous. With southern Canadian community and Canadian busi-

Part of this larger picture is that Hong China growing fast Hong Kong will have a nesses are so ready to participate in Hong

Kong is not just a place with problems. major role to play for many years to come Kong life. And it says much for the dedica- Every place in the world has that in one as the gateway to this area of rapid econom- tion and efficiency of the Commission for

way or another. Hong Kong is a place ic development. Canada which has pulled together these which demonstrated success - visible suc- No wonder the Canadian community many contributions to such good effect.

cess. Success against the odds. Not every- here is large - as many as 35,000 people - I wish Festival Canada a successful cele-

where can say that. and that Canadian investment in Hong bration of its central theme "Canada and

In a sense, Hong Kong's success is the Kong and southern China is growing. Hong Kong: friends yesterday, today and reason why most people are here - Chinese Canadian businessmen can see the potential. tomorrow."

from the Mainland who themselves or their They see that, whatever the immediate families before them came to find a new political concerns may be, the opportunities

life, or westerners attracted by the vibrancy are there too; and the long-term prospects

Comments by John "I'm happy to welcome you here today simply be "People." as we highlight what I believe is one of the Based on the theme "Canada and Hong Higginbotham most exciting and multifarious events of Kong; Friends Yesterday, Today and Commissioner for Festival Canada '91 - the Festival Canada Tomorrow," Festival Canada is a vibrant Picnic. and wholehearted celebration of the grow-

Canada If I were to search for any single word ing cultural, trade and personal ties that Festival Canada Picnic, that might sum up the "why" and "what" of bind the people of Canada and the people of the more than 60 wide-ranging events, dis- Hong Kong. June 30, 1991 plays, activities and exhibitions that make The idea for Festival Canada '91 origi- up Festival Canada '91, that word would John Higginbotham con't page 4

UPDATE 3 V

John Higginbotham. from page 3

nated when two people, Prime Minister In short, Canada is throwing the biggest Brian Mulroney and the Governor, Sir party ever for Hong Kong and it guarantees David Wilson, agreed that the very special fun for every member of the family, with relationship between Canada and Hong everything from arts and crafts, clowns and

Kong is something worth celebrating, first street theatre, art in the park, hot air balloon with a festival in Hong Kong in 1991, and rides, and a variety of games booths with then with reciprocal festivals in cities across proceeds going to charity. Canada in 1992. The Festival Canada Picnic is the The reality of Festival Canada '91 came climax of Festival Canada '91, which was about through the planning and organising officially launched by Prime Minister and hours of labour of hundreds of people, Mulroney and Sir David on May 24 during members of the Canadian community in Mr. Mulroney's visit to Hong Kong. Hong Kong, who worked diligently to pro- The seed of their idea and the caring of duce a Festival that brings the culture and many people, working individually and

lifestyle and very best of Canada to the through organisations such as the Canadian

heart of the territory. Club, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce,

That reality is a Festival that all the peo- John Higginbotham the Chinese Canadian Association, and the ple of Hong Kong, no matter what their age Canadian University Association, has live entertainment, local celebrities, lucky or interest, can join in and be part of. grown into a wonderful celebration for all draws, games, spoils, displays, activities for And nowhere is that people-to-people, of us to enjoy. children and, of course, hearty Canadian comunity-to-community joining more evi- The Festival Canada Picnic is a colourful picnic fare like the Pancake Breakfast, dent that in the Festival Canada Picnic. crown for that celebration and a thoroughly Western Barbecue, and delectable selec- The biggest single event of Festival entertaining day for people everywhere." tions at the Provincial Food Tents. Canada '91, the day-long Picnic, features

Reporting Crime Statistics

The question of whether or not crime citizen, he was given a formal reprimand by and that it might foster racism. On August

statistics in Toronto should be kept on the police authorities. The reprimand will stay 23rd, the Police Services Board decided not basis of ethnic origin has caused a major in his file for two years. to change its current policy. disagreement within the Chinese Canadian Reaction to the statements of the two Benjamin Eng's concern for precision community. Engs from the Chinese and Vietnamese about the immigration status of criminals of Sergeant Benjamin Eng, a member of the communities was mixed. Some spokesmen, Asian origin stems from the wide-spread public affairs department of the Metro including representatives of the Vietnamese coverage given recently to "Asian crime," Police, told the Toronto Crime Enquiry on Association and the Chinese National which tends to lump all people of Asian ori-

July 24th that two-thirds of offenses com- Council, condemned Benjamin Eng and gin together, whether they are native-born

mitted in Toronto in 1990 by people of accused him of spreading a negative picture Canadians or immigrants from China, Hong Asian origin were perpetrated by refugees of Asian communities in Canada. Others Kong, or Southeast Asia. This cov- from Vietnam and China. (The number of commended him for speaking out about an erage can be inflammatory, as evident in the

crimes was 3,000, out of a total of 273,706 issue which concerns many Asian March 25, 1991 issue of Maclean s maga- offenses committed in Toronto in 1990; in Canadians. Those who commended him zine whose cover in red and gold had 'TER-

1 ,500 cases those charged were Vietnamese included many of the professional and busi- ROR IN THE STREETS' emblazoned

refugees, in 500 cases PRC refugees). He ness groups and the Eng Clan organization. across it in 1 2 inch letters and a posed pic- called for a tightening of the refugee deter- On August 13th, a group of representatives ture of a young Asian man holding a gun. mination procedures, so that "phoney of business and professional Chinese Eng spoke at length on this subject at the refugees" could not abuse the system. The Canadian organizations presented a motion media workshop run in Vancouver by the

PRC is currently the largest single source of to the Police Services Board asking that the Canada and Hong Kong Project, in conjunc- refugee claimants in Canada. policy on crime statistics kept by ethnic ori- tion with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Eng was taken to task by Susan Eng (no gin be reviewed. They were supported by Canada. The transcript from the workshop relation), head of the Metro Toronto Police Chief of Police William McCormack. Six will be available soon and can be purchased

Services Board, for "wilful and direct con- days later, another group of representatives from the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific travention" of the police policy that no of the Chinese community held a news con- Studies. crime statistics should be compiled or pub- ference to oppose keeping crime statistics

lished on the basis of ethnic origin. Though by ethnic origin, on the grounds that it Sergeant Eng gave his views as a private would not be helpful in combatting crime

4 UPDATE Controversy Over "Dim Sum Diaries"

by Hugh Xiaobing Tan Vancouver

"Dim Sum Diaries" is a radio series pro- some politicians elected from the ethnic nity in Canada." More than 1,000 signatures duced by the CBC Vancouver Station. Each community also expressed their criticism of were collected on the petition. At the same of its five parts - "Foreign Accents," the play. time, Vancouver East MP Margaret "Perfect Class," "Mah Jong," "The In response to such criticisms, the author Mitchell complained to both the CRTC and Sequoias" and "Dim Sum" - is about 15 of the series, Mark Leiren-Young, defended the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

minutes long when broadcast The series is his work in an interview with a Vancouver that the radio-play reinforced negative atti-

about local attitudes towards recent Hong Sun reporter. He declared his intention was tudes among listeners.

Kong immigrants and was meant to expose to promote better understanding between The issue was also brought to the

racist views and stereotypes. The most con- different communities and not the reverse. It National Congress of Chinese Canadians, troversial part, "The Sequoias," was based was very upsetting for him to be charged held in Toronto in mid-May. A resolution

on an actual incident which took place on with intentionally perpetuating negative on the matter was passed: 1) CBC should Vancouver's Westside when a Chinese- stereotypes of Chinese-Canadians. He not repeat such a mistake in the future;

Canadian cut down two one-hundred-year emphasized that "Dim Sum Diaries" is not 2) CBC should apologize openly in major old sequoia trees. five separate plays but five scenes in one newspapers and in CBC radio broadcasting;

The series, except for "The Sequoias," work, culminating with "Dim Sum." His 3) CBC should report and explain the whole was first broadcast in February 1991 on final episode concludes with the message event to CRTC; and 4) CBC should produce national CBC radio. In March and April the that everyone can overcome cultural differ- another series emphasizing the positive

whole series was aired in the Vancouver ences and live together. images of Chinese-Canadians. SUCCESS is area on five Saturday mornings. While Leiren-Young defended his play, now negotiating with CBC to implement

The first negative response to the radio- CBC attempted to ease the anger of the this resolution, and a final agreement is play came from Vancouver Sun columnist, Chinese community. Robert Sunter read a expected by the end of October. Nicole Parton. Her article on April 22nd public statement to a meeting of the Chinese While the majority of Chinese- drew public attention to the program and Benevolent Association on May 5th. He Canadians opposed the radio play, there declared that the play was a "racist dia- said the intention of broadcasting the play were also some who disagreed with their

tribe." Leaders of the local Chinese commu- was to "bring to the surface issues and atti- indictment. Mr. Xu Xin, a well-known jour- nity sent complaints and letters of protest to tudes concerning the Chinese community," nalist who immigrated from Hong Kong, CBC. Bill Yee, president of the Chinese but now they realized "the series has wrote an article for the World Journal

Benevolent Association, declared, "I think it offended some Canadians of Chinese ori- Weekly, the popular newspaper distributed

is the worst kind of stereotyping I have gin." He offered his apology and expressed free in the Chinatown area. Entitled "Is it heard in a long time." regret that CBC's effort to build bridges Racism or Overdefensiveness?", the article SUCCESS (United Chinese Community between communities had been so pro- defended the CBC broadcast and mentioned Enrichment Services Society) president, foundly misunderstood. that the author had carefully read the tran-

Maggie Ip, wrote a letter to CBC's director Sunter's apology, however, was consid- script of Dim Sum Diaries and translated it of radio, Robert Sunter, arguing that the ered unacceptable by Chinese-Canadian into Chinese. He declared that he could find play had promoted ethnic stereotyping and leaders. Lilian To, executive director of nothing that could be labelled "racism" reinforced racial hatred. She quoted SUCCESS, said, "The feeling is that it [the Instead, he found only some conflicts

abstracts from "Dim Sum Diaries" to sup- statement] is not an acknowledgment that between different cultures and values, port her view. Such comments as "this the programs were undesirable." Maggie Ip which he considered quite normal for a Hong Kong voodoo thing," which refers to declared, "We are not questioning their society like Canada. He wrote these con-

Fengshui, is an attack on some aspects of intentions; very often, we do have good flicts should be solved with the passage of Chinese culture and traditioa She maintains intentions but the effect may come out very, time and by better communication between that a quote from "The Sequoias" - "at that very different." In order to put more pres- communities. Regarding the abstracts moment I just wanted to take that chain saw sure on CBC, more letters of complaint alleged to reinforce racial hatred, the writer and go up to Chang's white Jaguar and cut were written to the prime minister, all mem- pointed out that literature is not a documen- the car in two, and it would have been better bers of Parliament, CBC National tary report and allows some exaggeration. still if I had done it when Chang was inside" Headquarters and the Canadian Radio- The whole issue surrounding Dim Sum - is an inspiration to violence and racial Television and Telecommunications Diaries has yet to be settled. However, the hatred. Finally, "he likes Chinese women so Commissioa A protest petition was also controversy aroused by the event has pro- much; he says we know how to please a circulated among the ethnic Chinese com- vided much food for thought for the public man" is a comparison of Chinese immigrant munity, indicating the undersigned "strong- and policy-makers concerning the issue of women to stereotypes like Suzy Wong. ly protest the broadcasting of the Dim Sum properly building a multicultural society. Besides such complaints from leaders of Diaries by CBC which provokes racist vio- major Chinese-Canadian organizations, lence to and hatred of the Chinese commu-

UPDATE 5 Regional Variations in Hong Kong Immigration

When immigrants leave their home countries for Canada, they are asked to indi- cate their destination in Canada. There is no firm way of establishing whether they actu-

ally stay in their stated destinations, but the

statement of intention is generally assumed

to be a fairly reliable guide to place of set- tlement. In 1988, 58% of immigrants from Hong Kong were destined for Ontario, in 1989, 54%, and in 1990, 55%. In 1988, 22% went to British Columbia, in 1989, 24%, and in 1990, 26%. The rise in land- ings in Quebec between 1988 (6%) and 1989 (10%) was not sustained; in 1990 the Quebec percentage was 7%. accounted for 10% of immigrants in 1988, 8% in 1989 and 9% in 1990.

Permanent Immigrants Admitted from Hong Kong, by Province 1

1988 1989 1990

Alberta Hong Kong Students In Ontario

Large numbers of students from Hong

Kong have entered schools in Ontario at both the elementary and secondary levels in recent years. According to statistics collect- ed for the Ontario Ministry of Education, the enrolment of students from Hong Kong has increased for the period from 1987-88 to

1989-90, from 2337 to 2710 in elementary public and separate (Roman Catholic) schools and from 2356 to 3214 in secondary public and separate schools.

Students from Hong Kong Entering Ontario Schools (1987-88 to 1989-90)

Year Public Separate

Elementary Secondary Elemenlary Secondary

1987-88 Development of Hong Kong's New Manufacturing Base: Guangdong Accelerates

by Paul Levine Hong Kong

Since the mid-1980's, South China has includes the Shenzhen SEZ - has grown by However, Hong Kong's competitiveness experienced major economic and social a minimum of 20% each year and shows was threatened as inflation rose rapidly to changes but nowhere more than in the no sign of levelling off. During the past ten about 13% and the cost of foreign materi- Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) years of growth, the only downturn came als increased in relation to the Hong Kong and its Pearl River hinterland. This region during 1988-89 when the central govern- dollar. The latter is pegged to the more lies just to the north of the Lo Wu border ment enforced austerity measures designed expensive US currency which has crossing from Hong Kong. Once a collec- to arrest near-runaway inflation and pre- remained high in relation to international tion of sleepy villages with less than vent the Chinese economy from overheat- manufacturing in other lesser developed 50,000 people, Shenzhen has become a ing. Since that time Shenzhen has grown countries (LDC). bustling manufacturing city of 2 million in by an astonishing figure of 40% per year! After 1984 the Shenzhen SEZ received the past ten years. It is accessible by fre- What is the cause of this dynamic activ- special treatment from the Beijing govern- quent train and bus from Hong Kong, as ity in Guangdong and in the SEZ in partic- ment in order to attract overseas compa- well as by private boat. ular? Three main factors can be singled nies. With lower wages and costs,

The recent ease of communication is the out: first, improved energy and communi- Shenzhen became a magnet for Hong result of renewed historical ties between cations infrastructure; second, attracted by Kong companies. Smaller overseas firms Shenzhen and Hong Kong and the greater lower wages in Guangdong, the large-scale have had more difficulties because of the economic development taking place movement by the high-volume manufac- local costs added to labour, as well region- throughout the provinces of Guangdong turing and assembly sector out of Hong al taxes and subsidiary costs. However, and Fujian in southeast China. The Kong; and third, to a lesser extent, a busi- larger, multi-national companies have involvement of Hong Kong in this rapid ness climate and local policies that aid found that manufacturing in the development has been recognized by the rather than hinder investment. The latter SEZ/Guangdong is more profitable as long Beijing government. In a recent interview includes investment by both Hong Kong as quality-control can be assured. Such with a Hong Kong TVB reporter, Premier and overseas firms. companies include Alcan or Northern Li Peng emphasized that Beijing has a Because the Guangdong delta region is Telecom in the Canadian case, Heinz, great interest in securing the economic sta- adjacent to Hong Kong, there are few if General Foods or Proctor & Gamble from bility of Hong Kong because China's well any cultural or linguistic barriers. The peo- the U.S., as well as Hong Kong factories being is directly affected. ple of both areas speak a similar Cantonese that produce garments for such names as Following Shenzhen's phenomenal suc- dialect which increases their solidarity, Daniel Hechter and Marks & Spencer. cess in the late 1980's, other Special especially useful when closing business The key factor has been the hiring and Economic Zones and SEZ clones were set deals. There is also a major upgrading of training of new workers, many of whom up all along the China coast, stretching to communication links under way between are just out of middle school, rather than the northeast coastal areas and parts of the Guangdong and Hong Kong. These include employing those from state-run factories.

interior. However, Shenzhen and rapidly expanding port facilities that As one engineer, responsible for a joint Guangdong province as a whole occupy a should increase shipping to Hong Kong's venture in the energy sector, said, "At first special place in the development of China. world-class container terminals. A new $1 I worried about the quality of workers

Until the 1980's, Guangdong was not billion six-lane super-highway is being from the villages, but after about six allowed to industrialize by the Central built from Hong Kong to Guangdong months of training, I found that they made

Government as a matter of policy. It through the Shenzhen SEZ. In addition, the transition from lack of respect for remained an agricultural backwater com- there is an updated power grid. Its centre at machinery to a fairly high level of exper- pared with other cities such as Shanghai or the soon-to-be -completed Daya Bay nucle- tise, better than workers on projects in Dalian in the north. With the opening of ar power generating station, located to the other third-world countries where I have China to Western investment, the situation east of Shenzhen SEZ, promises new supervised." changed dramatically. sources of power for manufacturing and Strolling in the centre of Shenzhen

By 1984 Guangdong as a whole had assembly plants. amidst the high-rise office buildings along caught up with and surpassed most other The second factor, cheaper labour, has Liberation Road with its all-day traffic provinces and was ranked fifth in terms of always been a strong attraction for foreign jams, one has the feeling that efficiency and

total exports. By 1990 it ranked first with investment in China. Until the mid- 1980's, capitalism are concepts whose time has total exports of over $10 billion U.S. The Hong Kong manufacturers did not take arrived in southern Guangdong. economy of the Pearl River Delta - the advantage of this because the Chinese stan- economic heartland of Guangdong which dard of quality-control was inadequate.

8 UPDATE Japan and Hong Kong: Trade and Investment Trends

by D. Wendy McCallum Kyoto

Substantial Japanese trade with and China, Hong Kong's largest trading part- Hong Kong Domestic Exports investment in Hong Kong since the 1950's ner, also saw a drop, but much smaller, in the (not including re-exports) (U.S. millions): suggests confidence in the future of the percentage increase of its exports to Hong colony after 1997. However, recent trends Kong, from 30% in 1987-88 to 26% in 1988- show that the increase in the value of the 89 and 17% in 1989-90. U.S. imports to yen since 1985 has negatively effected trade Hong Kong, the fourth largest after Taiwan, and has had implications for Japanese dropped from a 28% to 12% to 10% annual investment. Japan is Hong Kong's second increase over the same period. largest trading partner after China, and after Indonesia, Hong Kong has received the Hong Kong Imports (U.S. millions)* most Japanese foreign investment between From: Japan 1951 and 1988. Since 1985, the average number of Japanese investments per year in Hong Kong has been higher than that of any other country investing in the territory. Japanese government immigration policy regarding Hong Kong reflects a cautious- ness in acknowledging any doubt in Chinese intentions to maintain HK's present economic system for at least fifty years after 1997.

Trade Japanese trade statistics reveal that Hong Kong imports from Japan have increased an average 15% between 1987 and 1989, despite the doubling of the value of the yen since 1985. Between February 1989 and May 1990,* the value of the yen rose against the Hong Kong dollar by 13%. In the first quarter of 1991, the yen was up 9.4% against the H.K. dollar, compared to the same period a year earlier. This dramatic increase in the cost of Japanese goods did not halt the trend for more Japanese imports to Hong Kong. While the percentage increase of imports from Japan dropped to .2% in 1988-89, down from 29% in 1987-88 and 27% in 1986-86, it rebounded to 13% in 1989-90. The 1988-89 rate was the most dramatic slow down in growth of imports for a major Hong Kong trading partner. It can be partially explained by the dip in the value of the Hong Kong dollar during this period combined with the substantial increase of yen value.

* 1989-91 figures are in real terms and are from First Quarter Economic Report 1991 (Hong Kong: Government Secretarial, Economic Services Branch,

May, 1991). Japan and Hong Kong, from page 9 Investment are mainly in transport equipment and chem- Japanese annual foreign direct investment ical products, accounting for 48% of their Re-exports from Hong Kong/ in Hong Kong (in U.S. dollars) has increased total investment. Other areas for Chinese

Percentage of Total Re-exports from $131 million in 1985 to S1.9 billion in investment are tobacco, electronics and tex- To: Japan China U.S. 1989, according to Japanese Ministry of tiles and clothing. [Report on the Survey of Finance statistics. Hong Kong's director of Overseas Investment in Hong Kong 1990 24,375.81 110,907.94 87,752.47 industry, Mr. Andrew Leung Kin Pong said Manufacturing Industries, (6%) (27%) (21%) 1990. Hong Kong that if Japan continues its current rate of Government Industry DepL, Nov. 6, 1990.] 1989 22,268.16 103,491.71 72,032.85 investment, it could overtake the U.S. as the The Hong Kong Deputy Director of (6%) (30%) (21%) territory's largest overseas investor and tech- Industry, Mr. Wilfred Wong, perceives that 1988 17,417.66 94,895.11 49,482.99 nology transfer partner by the year 2000. The increasing Japanese investment signifies

(6%) (34%) (18%) U.S. currently contributes 3 1% of the total Japan's confidence in and commitment to the value of industrial investment in Hong Kong, future of the territory. He notes that in 1990 and Japan contributes 29%, according to a the Hong Kong Industry Department assisted Total Re-exports from Hong Kong: 1990 survey of overseas investment in Hong in four new Japanese projects and the expan- 1990 413,998.66 Kong's manufacturing sector conducted by sion of five Japanese factories. Over the last 1989 346,405.47 the Hong Kong government industry depart- 20 months, the department had assisted some 1988 275,405.29 ment The value of Japan's cumulative 20 Japanese manufacturers in setting up 1987 182,780.42 investment in Hong Kong's manufacturing offices in Hong Kong for sales or procure-

industries (at original cost) is S8.6 billion. ment activities. These projects included Total 1990 H.K. Exports* by This is second only to the total value (at orig- Pacific Tube Corp Ltd., NEC Technologies Country of Destination: inal cost) of U.S. investment, S9.3 billion. Hong Kong Ltd., and Ricoh Co. Ltd. [Hong Compared to Digest, Japan 36,454.92 43% of American investment, Kong HK Economic and Trade China 158,377.53 62% of Japanese investment went into the Office, March/April 1991.] U.S. 154,122.24 stock of fixed assets. Last year Japanese investment in Kong The first Japanese investment in Hong Kong's property market was estimated to be Kong was recorded in 1960. Since then about HK $12 billion. The big players are Re-exports as a Percentage of Total investment has grown steadily over the past Nissho Iwai, EE Development and Yaohan Exports* to a Country: 30 years. Since 1985 the average number of International. A total of 1500 Japanese com- To: Japan China U.S. investment projects grew to 14 a year, while panies are in Hong Kong, including 1990 67% 70% 57% American investments averaged 9 a year, and Marubeni, C. Itoh, Toyo Menka Kaisha, Chinese investments 1989 63% 81% 27% were 6 a year. In 1989, Mitsubishi and Mitsui. The Export-Import 1988 60% 78% 21% 1 80 Japanese investments were identified, of Bank of Japan records the breakdown of which 1987 51% 75% 16% 100 (56%) were wholly-owned by cumulative Japanese direct investment in Japanese interests, 9 (5%) were joint-ven- Hong Kong and notes that the commerce and * Total exports = domestic exports + re-exports. tures without a local interest and 7 1 (39%) service sectors received nearly 1 2 times more joint ventures with a local interest. Together Japanese investment than the manufacturing The high proportion of Hong Kong they employ more than 20,000 staff, repre- sector between 1951 and 1988. During this exports to Japan and China which originate senting approximately 3.6% of Hong Kong's same period, the Bank also recorded that in a third country suggests that Hong Kong's total manufacturing workforce. Hong Kong was second only to Indonesia as role in the triangular pattern of trade is that of had 147 investment projects in 1989, of recipient of cumulative Japanese investment, a processing centre or a buffer in politically which 90 (61%) were wholly owned, 14 which was $6.2 billion US to Indonesia's sensitive situations such as Taiwan's trade (10%) were joint-ventures without a local $9.8 billion US. with China or Japan's enormous trade sur- interest and 43 (29%) joint ventures with a Prepared by the Japan Bond Research pluses with the United States. local interest. China is the third largest indus- Institute, the Country Rbk Report survey of Attempts to determine from statistics trial investor in Hong Kong with a total of 49 specialists at fourteen Japanese entities in the what percentage of imports from Japan to investment projects identified in 1989. Of fields of banking, trading and manufacturing Hong Kong are being re-exported and to these 37 (76%) were joint ventures, in con- confirms that the perception of investment where are unreliable and speculative. A trast to the predominantly wholly owned risks in Hong Kong is reasonably low. This spokesperson for the U.S. customs depart- American and Japanese investments. biannual survey aims to determine the level ment said that re-exported goods from Hong Japanese investment in Hong Kong indus- of Japanese investor confidence in about 100 Kong which originated in Japan cannot be tries is mainly in electronics, electrical prod- countries based on a risk rating of a number identified because the country-of-origin ucts, printing and publishing, and watches of different factors. These include political delineations vary by country and product and clocks. These account for 67% of total stability, consistency of policies, foreign and because there is a time lag between investment, compared to the 5 1% of exchange policy and economic growth importing and re-exporting. Imported goods American investment in the electronics potential. The rating is done on a 10 point may sit in Hong Kong for months before industry. Other industries with substantial scale, more than 9 meaning no risk, 8.9-7.9 being re-exported to the United States. American investment are electrical products, little risk, 6.9-5 some risk and less than 5

textiles and clothing. Chinese investments indicating various degrees of risk. A general

10 UPDATE rating is offered, which is based on compre- future of Hong Kong is Kazuo Wada, chair- emigrants, the Japanese government refuses

hensive scores given by each of Ihc fourteen man of the Japanese international retailer, the to acknowledge any such trend. The official

groups. Yaohan Department Store Group. Mr Wada Japanese response to questions about its In January 1991, Hong Kong's general recently shifted Yaohan's Asian headquarters immigration policy towards Hong Kong has rating was 8.4 which was the same as in from Japan to Hong Kong. He defends his been to treat the question as "hypothetical." January 1989 and July 1989, immediately move as a foresighted strategy to expand A press release from the Japanese Ministry

after Tiananmen. This is compared to Yaohan internationally and to stimulate busi- of Foreign Affairs states: "Rather than talk- Singapore, a country with a similar income ness in China and throughout Asia, using ing about specific hypothetical problems and per capita (S8,162US to Hong Kong's Hong Kong as a base. In addition to the thus heightening the concern of people inside

S9.643US in 1989), which received a general appeal of Hong Kong's unparalleled 16.5% and outside of Hong Kong, it is best that rating of 9.9 in January 1991 and 10.0 in corporate tax, he considers Hong Kong to be Japan continue to express the hope that Hong January 1989. South Korea (income per capi- "Asia's strategic core, where high quality Kong will continue to play the role of a good

ta of S4.040US) rated 7.9 in January 1991 information not available in Japan is concen- contact and intermediary agent between the and 8.4 in January, 1989. (Income per capita trated." Quoted in the Hong Kong Trader, Chinese mainland and the outside world In

figures torn Asia 1990 Yearbook, Hong Mr. Wada maintains, "Eventually, I antici- this way, we intend to foster business confi- Kong: Review Publishing Co.) In terms of pate that the southern part of China will be dence in Hong Kong even after 1997." The

political stability, Hong Kong is rated 7.7 as the most suitable region for foreign enterpris- main concern of the Japanese government

of January 1991, compared to Singapore's es to make investments. Before such an era seems to be sending the "proper message" to

rating of 9.9 and South Korea's of 7. 1 . Hong arrives Yaohan will penetrate deep into China: "We hope that China will understand

Kong's political stability rating dropped from China, and when other foreign companies that it would be in China's interests to try to

8.3 in January 1 989, to 7.4 in July of that turn their eyes to China, Yaohan will have respond appropriately to Japan's repeatedly

year reflecting a reaction to Tiananmen, but established itself in many ways, including the expressed hope and that we will be able to returned to average 7.7 since January 1990. operation of stores and commodity logistics." avoid an exodus of people from Hong

Hong Kong's economic growth potential is Kong."

listed as 7. 1 in January 1 99 1 , while Immigration

Singapore's is 7.4 and South Korea's is 7.6. In December 1990, the Ministry of The author would like lo thank the Hong In terms of consistency of policies, Hong Foreign Affairs in Japan released data on the Kong Trade and Development Council,

Kong is rated with 7.9, Singapore 9.3, and number of "foreigners" registered in Japan at Toronto; the Japan External Trade

South Korea is 7.6. the end of 1989. People from China, Taiwan Organization (JETRO) offices in New York,

Despite the fact it is judged risky on some and Hong Kong totalled 137,499. In sharp Hong Kong, Tokyo and Toronto; the Japan accounts, increased Japanese investment in contrast to the Canadian or American Economic Institute (JEl), Washington and Hong Kong is justified by high rates of response to the flood of Hong Kong Prof. Don Daly of York Universityfor their return. Exemplifying this optimism about the assistance in research for this article.

PADS Agreement and the Future of Hong Kong-China Relations by Phil Calvert Ottawa

The July 4th Memorandum of Special Administrative Region will continue ence on the part of the PRC over the airport Understanding (MOU) between Britain and to serve as an important economic centre in project, and by implication and precedent,

Hong Kong on the Port and Airport Asia. At the same time it establishes clear and, over the entire transition process. At the same

Development Strategy is doubtless the most some would argue, quite generous guidelines time, however, it seems to demonstrate

significant political development in relations for giving China influence over significant Beijing's willingness to get on with the project between the two, and between Britain and issues in Hong Kong leading up to 1997 - an and the indication that its previous opposition

China, since the signing of the 1984 Joint influence which, because of the PRC's was not directed at the project itself so much Declaratioa The MOU sets the stage and the demonstrated leverage on the PADS issue, as the approach taken by the Hong Kong gov- tenor of the transition years leading up to 1997 could extend far beyond the letter of the MOU ernment. and establishes the parameters within which or other previous agreements. While the MOU will increase international governments on all sides will be expected to Some of the key provisions of the MOU confidence in the future of the airport and the

operate. In doing so, it has two, somewhat include the establishment of a special commit- equally crucial port component, it also makes

contradictory purposes. In reaching agreement tee, operating under the auspices of the Hong it virtually certain that the Hong Kong or

to go ahead with the project, it lowers the high Kong-British Joint Liaison Group, to discuss British governments will consult Beijing on

level of Sino-British tension which had devel- major decisions relating to the airport and the any other significant issues straddling 1997. In

oped on the issue, and in this sense can be provision that any debts larger than HKS5 bil- this sense, then, the MOU increases short-term seen as an important "confidence-building lion, repayable after 1997, would need the economic confidence by allowing the project

measure" designed to reassure all observers agreement of the PRC government. These two to continue, while at the same time abrogating (and investors) that the future Hong Kong provisions establish a notable level of influ- PADS Agreement, cont'd page 12

UPDATE 11 PAD Agreement, from page n Hong Kong Elections Emigration from

what was one of the political aims of the Hong Kong

PADS project - that is, to demonstrate Hong The United Democrats of Hong Kong, Only 10,000 of a possible 12,000 employ- Kong's political and economic autonomy in led by Martin Lee, won a landslide victory ment visas, dedicated by the US authorities for the wake of Tiananmen. Indeed, it gives fur- in the September 15th partial elections for key personnel working for US companies in ther acknowledgement to the inevitable the Hong Kong Legislative Council Hong Kong, are likely to be taken up this year. growth of PRC influence over Hong Kong in (Legco). Twenty-one members of Legco are This is a lower rate than anticipated when the the years leading up to 1997. appointed by the governor, 21 elected by scheme was launched (Hong Kong Digest, June Doubtless the signing of the MOU on the functional constituencies (professional 10th). This tepid level of interest is paralleled project was met with sighs of relief from many groups), and 18 elected by popular vote. by a lower than expected level of applications quarters who saw resolution of the issue as nec- The United Democrats won 16 of these 18 for passports under the British Right of Abode essary to any further progress in implementing seats. None of the communist-backed candi- scheme. Only about 65,000 applications were the transition of power. With this issue, for the dates nor those from the Liberal Democratic received for the 50,000 places under the first time being at least, cleared out of the way, Federation, representing the interests of tranche. The global figures for British passports Britain can more freely address other sensitive business, won seats. Voter turn-out was low are misleading. Applications are made in spe- concerns, such as human rights issues. Beijing, at 39%, a figure which allowed Peking's cific categories, and some categories were despite its posturing, needed an agreement on chief official concerned with Hong Kong heavily over-subscribed while others were the issue as well. The MOU aids the PRC in the and Macao, Lu Ping, to pour cold water on under-subscribed. The two categories most rebuilding of its international credibility after the results. However, in Hong Kong and in heavily over-subscribed were translators/ inter- Tiananmen, in that it conveys a sense of reason- London the results were seen as a proof of preters (291 for 42 places) and legal profession- ableness on the part of Beijing. For the same the enthusiasm for democracy in Hong als (1200 for 185). Those which were most reason, Beijing is at least appearing to acknowl- Kong. Douglas Hurd, the Foreign Secretary under-subscribed were: managers and adminis- edge international concern over human rights. (and a historian of China) commented that trators (12,594 for 14,927) and the Royal Hong While an ongoing impasse on PADS would the elections "opened a new and encourag- Kong Police (3,299 for 3,282) (South China no doubt have put Sino-British relations under ing chapter" in Hong Kong's history. An Morning Post, June 23, 1991). The process of serious strain, the resolution of the issue has editorial in The Times on September 18th interviewing applicants is under way, the plan is given China a very big lever in future Hong called on the British prime minister to "lean that 200 people will be interviewed every week Kong politics. The resolution, however, on the Hong Kong government to give for the next three years. remains somewhat neo-colonialist, in that its democracy its due." These two sets of figures seem to suggest a provisions, such as the Sino-British Council to Martin Lee allowed no time to elapse weakening of the demand for emigration from oversee the project, mean that this very signifi- before calling on the governor to make Hong Kong, but it would be too simplistic to cant Hong Kong issue will still largely be dealt appointments to the places in his gift from a interpret them in this way. People eligible for with in Sino-British terms. This does not bode list supplied by the UDHK. Sir David either scheme may not have applied because particularly well for the growth of the proto- Wilson did not follow this advice. On they already hold foreign citizenship or because demccratic Hong Kong institutions which are September 21st he named seven continuing they are planning to move to countries other intended to provide some protection for the members and ten new members, in addition than the UK or the USA Others may have been people in the face of China's reassertion of to the four ex officio members. Pressure can put off by the complexity of the application pro- sovereignty in 1 997. PRC pressure on Hong be expected now to have the number of cess (See Update, 4, Spring 199 1, p. 3). Some Kong publicists to engage in self-censorship on directly-elected members of Legco people may have felt that they were ineligible. the whole issue of the 1997 handover has increased and to have representation from Concern has been expressed that the categories already been notable. It remains to be seen the UDHK on the Executive Council. being used are too rigid and limit the number of whether the commercial and economic implica- people who can apply under the scheme. tions of this agreement translate into serious

political consequences as well

Choosing to Stay Behind

by Susan Henders Hong Kong

Not everyone is leaving. However, even some of those with good English would keep him out of a career in Although Hong Kong's 1997-induced immigration prospects say they will stay news should he emigrate. brain drain now draws away about 60,000 behind instead of leaving. Their deep attach- Others choosing to stay echo Yip's wor-

emigrants each year, the majority of the terri- ments to crowded, fast-moving, prosperous ries. "My business could never survive if I

tory's nearly six million people have little Hong Kong and the risks and costs of immi- went international," said Anna Lo, who built hope of obtaining a foreign passport. They gration are holding them back. her successful modelling and fashion show

simply do not have the investment money, "I was bom in Hong Kong and I love this production company, Catwalk Productions,

job skills, education or family connections to place," said Steven Yip [not his real name], a from the ground up. "Besides, Hong Kong is

qualify for immigrant visas. journalist who also fears his not-quite-perfect my home town. I have travelled a lot and I like Hong Kong best."

12 UPDATE 1

Timothy Gibbs, general manager of the bility of Hong Kong for a decade or even a so many of them end up returning to Hong

Royal Bank of Canada's Hong Kong branch, generation," Tai said, "but after that it Kong. "They joke that it's because they said he has employees with degrees from for- becomes more uncertain." Tai was educated can't play majong [a popular Chinese game) eign universities who say they will stay. in Hong Kong and, except for visits to anywhere else," Lo indicated. "The real rea-

"They aren't too scared about 1997," Gibbs China and Macau, has never travelled son is that it's easier to make money in

said. "There will still be a Hong Kong." abroad. Hong Kong." Brian Gundcrson, the

It is difficult to estimate the exact number Professionals educated in Hong Kong Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce's of people opung for life in Hong Kong rather than overseas showed less inclination general manager of support services for

despite having the means to leave. Not only to leave. Those with less education and job Asia, said he has heard of people forced to are many people reluctant to talk about their experience and less well-developed skills return to Hong Kong because things have plans, many have not applied for immigration were also less likely to leave than their bet- not worked out in Canada. "That kind of visas yet but are trying to create options to ter educated and experienced counterparts. thing circulates back here and maybe dis-

leave should it become necessary, according Many of the reasons respondents had for courages people from leaving." to Ronald Skeldon, a senior lecturer in staying in Hong Kong were distinct, rather Nevertheless, intangibles, rather than

Geography at the University of Hong Kong. than simply the opposite of those forces dollars and cents, motivate some people to How many will actually stay depends on con- pushing others to go. The study found that stay. While surveys suggest 50-60% of his ditions in Hong Kong, China and immigra- fears about job opportunities and racial dis- fellow lawyers could emigrate before 1997,

tion destination countries like Canada in the crimination overseas, preferences for living Chun Yan declared he is commit- years before and after 1997. conditions in Hong Kong, confidence in the ted to remain. Ho is the internal vice-presi- Despite these difficulties, a survey of territory's post-1997 stability and kinship dent of the United Democrats of Hong Hong Kong professionals done in late 1988 ties topped the list of reasons motivating Kong, one of the most liberal and high pro- and early 1989 gives some tentative indica- potential "stayers" to remain in Hong Kong. file of the territory's new political parties tions of how many people with good emi- Other concerns included adaptation to a for- and winner of the recent Legco elections. gration prospects will potentially stay. The eign environment, the cost of living abroad He indicated that love for Hong Kong, study, done by the Hong Kong Institute of and desire to educate their children in Hong "moral" commitment to its people and the Personnel Management and the City Kong. desire to live in a Chinese society prevent

Polytechnic of Hong Kong, found as many Carmen Yim Ka Man is a counsellor at him from seeking a foreign passport. "It is as 26% of respondents were potential "stay- the Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory something that is very personal," adds Ho, ers," people who said they probably would Council, which works with couples making who claims many other members of his not or definitely would not emigrate. At the emigration decisions. She maintains that party share his sentiments. Only two of the same time, 46% of respondents said they financial, career and quality of life concerns United Democrats' 16 candidates for probably or definitely would emigrate; 8% often overlap. People well-employed in September's Legislative Council elections were undecided. Because the responses Hong Kong risk losing income and status have foreign passports, according to Ho. were gathered before the June 4, 1989 because of difficulty finding comparable Both acquired them years ago while they crackdown on the pro-democracy move- work in their new country of residence. were overseas as students. ment in Mainland China, the report proba- Women also can end up being responsible However, researchers at the University bly underestimates the number of potential for unaccustomed housework because they of Hong Kong caution that emigration deci- emigrants among professionals. can no longer afford to hire domestic help. sions are constantly under review, even for

The study indicates the professionals A 1991 Hong Kong Institute of most of those who say they will stay. "I sus- more likely to remain in Hong Kong and the Personnel Management survey of Hong pect very few people would say categorical- reasons behind their decision. Those respon- Kong immigrants in Canada backs up ly that they would not leave under any con- dents over 64 years old and those under 25 Yim's contention that emigration is stressful ditions," said Wong Siu Lun, a professor in were more likely to be potential "stayers" and risky. Using data collected from 47 the University's Sociology Department. than other age groups. Single and childless immigrants in August and December 1990, "Hong Kong is basically an immigrant com- respondents were also less willing to emi- Institute researcher Sara F.Y. Tang found munity, so people have that readiness to grate, while those married professionals 74% of respondents were able to get their leave." with children were more determined to first job within three months of moving to Skeldon suspects the risks and costs of leave. Canada. However, almost two-thirds emigration are giving some potential immi- Phoebus Tai Hung Wai, a 33 year-old, dropped in job rank, nearly 30% by as many grants second thoughts, especially given the university-educated senior inspector with as three or more steps. More than half of the current economic downturn in Canada, the the Royal Hong Kong Police and father of respondents had to change professions, and United States and Australia. However, he two small children, illustrates the dilemma more than half also took a drop in dispos- expects emigration levels to continue at of many parents. Tai said he and his wife, a able income. For 16% that income drop was approximately 60,000 people per year for middle manager with a local bank, have no more than 50%. the next few years. A major shift in the plans to leave their comfortable lifestyle for Business woman Anna Lo said that immigration policies of these key countries the sake of a foreign passport. However, throwing a going-away party for friends or another crisis akin to the events of June they do worry about the long-term future of departing for a new life in Canada or the 4th in Beijing could spark a new rush to their children. "I have confidence in the sta- U.S. has become a waste of money because apply for immigrant visas.

UPDATE 13 The following articles by our research assistants are a continuation from the Spring 1991 Update of the description ofChinese-Canadian organizations in Toronto and Vancouver. They also include some of the Chinese student associations at several universities in these cities.

Chinese-Canadian Associations in Vancouver

by Hugh Xiaobing Tan Vancouver

Chinese Community Library of more than 500, most of whom are The Chinatown Merchants Association

Services Association Canadians doing business with Hong Kong. has a board of 25 directors. Its funding

Established in 1972 as a non-profit orga- About one-third of its members are original- depends on membership fees and donations nization, this association provides library ly from Hong Kong. from its directors and members. services to the local Chinese community. It Its regular activities include a monthly 206-37 E. Pender SL now has more than 500 members, most of luncheon meeting and an annual dinner Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1S9 whom reside in the Greater Vancouver area. party for all members. Usually a speaker, Pres.: King Wong

The CCLSA maintains two subsidiary insti- well-known to the community, is invited to (604) 682-8998 tutions: the Chinese Community Library address the luncheon meeting. and the Chinese Community History Room Last year, the organization sponsored an Vancouver Chinatown Lions Club The Library collects and maintains exhibition, called 'Transplant," in down- Following the general guidelines of the Chinese publications and makes them avail- town Vancouver. All exhibits were products International Lions Club, the Chinatown able to the public, free of charge or at mini- of manufacturing firms set up by Hong Club is a non-profit, charity, and service mal cost. With a collection of more than Kong business immigrants in the Greater organization. Its objective is to serve those 8,000 books and a regular subscription to 9 Vancouver area. One purpose of the exhibi- in need. The organization was established in newspapers and 24 magazines, it is one of tion was to dispel the popular belief that 1954 and is the oldest Lions Club in the few libraries of its kind in the Greater Hong Kong immigrants have invested only Vancouver's Chinese community. Its mem-

Vancouver area. In addition to its "in- in the real estate market. The Association bership varies from year to year and in 1991 house" services, it also operates a mobile also participated in the Festival Canada held was 73. About 80% of its members are of out-reach unit which brings a variety of ser- in Hong Kong last June and will take part in Chinese origin, 40% of whom are originally vices to senior citizens living in the neigh- the organization of the Hong Kong Festival from Hong Kong. bourhood. in Canada in 1992. The Club actively participates in com-

The History Room was established in 700-1550 Alberni St munity affairs. It took part in the building of

1983 in recognition of an acutely felt need Vancouver, B.C. V6G 1A3 the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Park; it initi- to furnish a Chinese -Canadian history of Section Pres.: Francis Cheung ated the idea of constructing the "China

British Columbia. It aims to collect and pre- (604) 669-4444; fax: (604) 681-0093 Gate" and negotiated with the provincial serve materials documenting the Chinese government on this matter. It has also built heritage of the province. Over the years it Vancouver Chinatown Merchants three "Seniors Mansions" and rents the has accumulated a rich collection of diverse Association apartments to low-income Chinese senior materials. The primary goal of this non-profit local citizens. Most recently it sponsored a fund-

Funding for the association comes from organization is improving business in raising sweepstakes for East China flood both public and private sectors, as well as Vancouver's Chinatown. All 200 members relief. Every year the Chinatown Lions Club from fund-raising events. are people or firms doing business in the donates $5,000 to cultural or educational

591 E. Pender St. area. Founded in 1981, the Association is at institutions in the community.

Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1V3 present compiling a publication for its 10th Its funding depends on membership fees President: May Chu anniversary celebration. and fund-raising events, such as the annual Library (604) 254-2107 To attract more people to shop in Miss Chinatown Pageant. In recent years

History Room (604) 254-3012 Chinatown, the organization has strongly some of its former members have formed advocated a beautification program which several new Lions Clubs, including the Vancouver Section of the Hong includes cleaning rear lanes and streets and Vancouver Cathay Lions Club, Vancouver Kong-Canada Business Association installing more street lights. To solve the Mandarin Lions Club, and most recently, Following the National Association's parking problem for shoppers, the Associa- the Vancouver Pacific Lions Club whose guidelines, the Vancouver Section has a pri- tion has negotiated with the provincial and members are all women. mary goal of promoting connections, com- municipal governments to turn a parking lot 830 Campbell Ave. munication and trading relationships at the edge of Chinatown into a crown prop- Vancouver, B.C. V6A 3V2 between business communities in Hong erty so a multi-level and lower-cost parking Pres.: Bill Ma

Kong and Canada. It now has a membership facility can be constructed. (604) 324-7717

14 UPDATE events and activities to achieve this goal. Chinese Students' Association of These have included the sponsorship for U.B.C.

two years of the Concert for Democracy in This association is the oldest Chinese

China, organization of "Democracy Month" student organization at the University of activities, setting up a permanent Goddess British Columbia and has existed for over of Democracy Statue at the University of forty years. There are presently more than British Columbia, and lobbying the Geneva 200 members. About half of the member-

Human Rights conferences. ship is originally from Hong Kong while the The VSSDM maintains its profile by the others are Chinese-Canadians.

following activities: 1) educating the public Its activities are predominantly social Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park on the democracy movement through the and a variety of events are held such as reg-

publication of articles, organization of semi- ular dances. A Cantonese course is also Yee Fong Choy Tong nars and presentation of speeches at schools offered to members free of charge. Another (National Headquarters and Vancouver and community centres; 2) lobbying the important objective of the association is to Branch) three levels of government and parliamen- provide scholarships for its members. The Yee Fong Choy Tong is a clan-char- tarians on support of the pro-democracy Box 25, Student Union Bldg. ity organization with branches all over the movement in China; and 3) strengthening Univ. of British Columbia world. It has sections in six major Canadian relations with other democracy organiza- Vancouver, B.C. cities. Its Canadian headquarters and tions in the world, especially those in North Pres.: Simon Gee Vancouver branch are located at the same America. (604) 228-4339 address. 362 E. 10th Ave. The Vancouver branch was established Vancouver, B.C. VST 1Z7 Chinese Students' Association of 89 years ago and is registered as non- a Chairperson: Raymond Chan Simon Fraser Univ. (CSA) political, non-profit organizatioa Its major (604) 873-2189; fax (604) 873-2181 The oldest Chinese student organization goal is to maintain connections and commu- at Simon Fraser, the CSA was established in nication between people with the family Vancouver Hong Kong Forum 1965, at the same time as the founding of name of Yee or Yu and provide them with This organization was founded in April SFU. In 1991 it has a membership of about moral, spiritual and, when necessary, finan- 1991 by a group of Vancouver residents con- 90, the majority of whom are students from cial support. At present it has about 300 cerned about Hong Kong's future. It now has Hong Kong. The rest are from China, members. a dozen active members, most of whom are Taiwan and Singapore. The CSA is funded Its activities are mainly social and recre- Hong Kong immigrants. These people are partly by the universtiy and partly through ational. Regular events include the spring attentively watching developments in the fund-raising events. banquet, the annual memorial ceremony, colony including such important issues as the Its two main purposes are: 1) to intro- and the autumn outing. It has also set up a Vietnamese boat people problem, the democ- duce Chinese culture to students from other scholarship program for children of its racy and human rights movement, and the countries and 2) to develop connections members. recent direct elections of members of the between members in order to help them 226 E. Georgia St Legislative Council (Legco). adjust to Canadian life. Its major events this Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1Z7 The Forum organized the "Don't Forget past year included the New Year Lion Pres. of National Headquarters: Bill Yee Our Hong-Kong Roots Movement" in Dance, the "Art of the Dragon" Exhibition Pres. of Vancouver Branch: Ken Yu Vancouver and held a news conference last and the "Moon Cake Sale" for the Mid- (604) 684-3074 May. With the efforts of Forum members, Autumn Festival. It also organizes regular

over 100 landed immigrants who still have movie shows and outdoor activities. Last Vancouver Society in Support of valid Hong Kong ID numbers were regis- month it co-sponsored a cinema to raise Democratic Movement (VSSDM) tered for the September Legco elections. A money for China flood relief. Every Friday The VSSDM was formally registered as voting delegation was formed to travel to from noon to 1 :00 pm, the CSA broadests in a non-profit society on June 28, 1991, fol- Hong Kong as part of the larger North Chinese on the SFU radio station CJIV. Its lowing the June 4th incident in Beijing. The American delegauoa This has aroused con- programmes include news, Chinese songs idea of forming the society was initiated troversy in the local Chinese community, and comments on social events. during demonstrations in support of the pro- but the organization insists on the justifica- 6725 Dumfries St democracy movement in China. It presently tion of this activity. Vancouver, B.C. V5P 3B8 has about 700 members, including some of Although the Forum does not have an Pres.: Amenda Lam non-Chinese origin. office, information can be obtained from its (604) 324-3688 The is the six Society one of member coordinator organizations of the North American Alex Chan Coalition for Chinese Democracy. Dynamex Ltd. According its it to constitution, aims to pro- 2675 Boundary Rd. mote democracy, freedom, human rights Vancouver, B.C. VSM 3Z5 and lawful society in China. During the past (604) 876-9245 two years, it organized or sponsored several Associations, cont'd, page 16

UPDATE 15 Chinese-Canadian Associations in Toronto

by Irene Tong Toronto

Chinese Canadian Intercultural Development Programs recruit, train and Toronto-Hongkong Fellowship Association (CCI) place volunteers, organize workshops, semi- Association of Canada (THFA)

Founded in 1980, the CCI is a non-profit nars and mutual-aid groups and educate the The THFA was registered in 1988 as a organization which today has a membership public. Services pertaining to Community non-profit organization with the objectives of about 850. It has pledged to continue the Relations are aimed at enhancing community of promoting the spirit of mutual assistance objectives of its founders: the promotion of orientation, political awareness and identifi- among compatriots and showing concern for Chinese-Canadian cultural exchanges and cation with Canada. They include leadership human rights and freedom in Hong Kong. It

assistance to Chinese compatriots in areas development programs, community network- provides members from Hong Kong with of immigration, education, employment, ing and advocacy, forums and conferences. information pertaining to immigration, health and welfare. Its activities include reg- Senior Services are available to facilitate employment, education and investment, thus ular recreational and commemorative activi- Chinese seniors' integration into Canadian promoting Canada-Hong Kong links. In

ties; classes and seminars on Chinese paint- society and to promote their physical and addition, it hopes to promote harmonious ing and calligraphy, tai chi, cooking and emotional well-being. For residents in relationships among racial and cultural needlework; exhibitions and free coun- Scarborough, Family Services provide indi- groups within the community and their inte- selling and English classes. In 1984 the CCI vidual and marriage counselling, family life gration into mainstream Canadian society. founded the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese education and assistance in family disputes. At present the Association has a mem-

School which is situated at Baldwin and 58 Cecil Street bership of 200-300 people, most of whom Huron Streets in the Chinatown area. Toronto, Ont. M5T 1N6 are recent immigrants from Hong Kong.

112 Huron St. (416) 598-2022 The majority are business immigrants and Toronto, Ont. M5T 2B2 Scarborough Branch professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, Pres.: Moon Lum 3852 Finch Ave. E., Suite 310 architects, social workers and entertainers. Exec. Dir.: Yiu-Kuen Chan Scarborough, Ont. MIT 3T6 It has a 29-member Board of Directors, and (416) 591-6347 (416) 292-7510 its funding comes mainly from members' donations. Chinese Information & Community Toronto Chinese Community Its future projects include the establish- Services of Metro Toronto Services Association (TCCSA) ment of a permanent location for the In 1968 a number of concerned Chinese The TCCSA is conveniently located in the Association and the creation of current students volunteered to provide interpreting downtown Chinese area. It was founded in affairs and elections groups to promote

services to Chinese residents in downtown 1973 and registered as a non-profit organiza- political participation among the Chinese

Toronto. Initially a project under the tion in Ontario in 1976. Its stated mandate is community in Toronto. University Settlement Recreation Centre, by "to assist newcomers to adapt to the Canadian 112 Huron St. 1974 the service became independent. The style of living and become the mainstream of Toronto, Ont. M5T 2B2 new organization, named Chinese the Canadian mosaic." Its clients are ethnic Chair: Allen Leung Interpreter and Information Services, was Chinese who speak Cantonese, Mandarin or (416) 591-6347

then incorporated as a charitable organiza- Vietnamese. It is supported by federal,

tion. Its purpose was to facilitate the cultur- provincial and municipal funding. Federation of Chinese Canadians in

al, economic and political integration and Its services include counselling, ESL and Scarborough (FCCS) adaptation of Chinese Canadians in Metro citizenship preparation classes, visitation of The FCCS is a community-based, non-

Toronto. Since its inception, the agency's seniors in hospitals and nursing homes, and racial, non-profit organization active in pro-

services have grown to include its main the orientation of immigrants to Canadian moting human rights, race relations and

office in the Cecil Community Centre since policies through its bi-monthly information muluculturalism. It was formed in 1984 in 1978 and a branch office in Scarborough handbook. Its Chinese school and library response to a number of racial incidents in established in 1982. In 1988 the agency was hope to ensure the continuity of heritage Scarborough, namely the "Dragon Mall renamed the Chinese Information and languages for Chinese youth by providing Incident" and the hate literature issue. Community Services. reading materials in native Chinese lan- The main objectives of the FCCS are

Its activities fall into six categories. The guages. In addition, seminars and work- advocating and promoting equality and Information and Referral Services include shops, support and interest groups, cultural human rights of all residents in

interpretation, form-filling, referral and tele- and recreational activities are organized to Scarborough; encouraging greater participa- phone information services. Newcomers integrate Chinese immigrants into the wider tion by and integration of the Scarborough Language Training Programs hold English- Canadian community. Chinese community in the city's social, cul- as-a-second-language (ESL) classes to pre- 310 Spadina Ave., Suite 602 tural, economic and political life; and pro-

pare immigrants for citizenship. To facili- Toronto, Ont. M5T 2E8 moting cooperation and communication

tate immigrants' adaptation to Canadian (416) 977-4026 or 977-3689 among Chinese Canadian organizations and society, the Volunteer and Community residents in Scarborough.

16 UPDATE In the past few years the Federation has as the Canada Day celebration and been active in promoting race relatioas and Chinatown East Week to enhance inter-cul- community participation in Scarborough. In tural understanding. Its president and one of 1984 along with other Chinese community the ten founders of the organization, Mr. organizations, it successfully orchestrated a Victor Lee, seeks to increase the number of deputation to the Scarborough City Council Chinese -speaking employees in government which resulted in the passage of a motion to and social service agencies in the area. condemn the distribution of hate literature in Currently, the CCC hopes to secure the

Scarborough. It also spearheaded the cam- support of at least two-thirds of local busi- paign for the Heritage Language Program in nesses to bring Chinatown East under the Scarborough and participated actively as a umbrella of the Business Improvement Area member of the Policy Advisory Committee (BIA) program On a wider scale, Mr. Lee of the Scarborough Board of Education in is working with two other Chinese business the development and implementation of a associations - the Toronto Chinese Business policy amenable to better ethnic and racial Association and Scarborough/North York/ relations and multiculturalism. Markham Business Association - to estab- Apart from co-sponsoring youth confer- lish a Chinese Business Association of ences, educational conferences and semi- Ontario. Its main purpose would be to han- Dragon City - the Mandarin Club nars, the FCCS advocates human rights dle issues concerning Chinese Canadians at issues together with other Chinese commu- revamp the image of the Hong Kong the provincial and federal levels. There are nity and ethno-cultural groups. These issues investor from that of a small-time operator also plans to establish a national organiza- have included the redress of the Head Tax to someone "to be taken seriously." It is now tion to represent Chinese Business and Chinese Exclusion Act and the 1989 planning to solicit members in Hong Kong. Associations in Canada. Apart inviting people pro-democracy movement in China. To pro- from prominent to mote the participation of Chinese- speak during special dinner events and from Chinese Student Organizations at being a centre for business networking, the Canadians in mainstream Canadian life, the University of Toronto Club also provides members, many of organization developed a community pro- 1) Association of Chinese Students and ject called "Participation '89" and published whom are new immigrants, with a superb Scholars (ACSS) a bilingual pamphlet on grassroots commu- Cantonese cuisine and dining environment, Funded by the Chinese Embassy in nity participation. In 1991 a well-attended as well as recreational and health facilities. Toronto, the ACSS emphasizes social rather the "Cultural Awareness Night" was organized A major undertaking last year was pur- than political activities. Its main objective is to promote understanding and interaction chase of a $7.5 million golf club in to provide assistance to Chinese students and among Scarborough residents. Richmond Hill. scholars at the university during their stay in P.O. Box 547 280 Spadina Ave. Canada. Activities include outings, dances, 4245 Sheppard Ave. E. Toronto, OnL M5T 3A5 Chinese film shows and counselling. Chair: Herbert Chang Scarborough, Ont. MIS 3V6 Membership, which is presently 480, is lim- Pres.: Dr. Anthony Kwok (416)979-7110 ited to PRC students, visiting scholars and

(416) 321-3703 or 291-3117 their spouses. The ACSS is affiliated with Chinese Chamber of Commerce the national Federation of Chinese Students The Mandarin Club of Toronto (East Toronto) and Scholars in Canada (FCSSC). Chinatown East includes the Broadview, The Mandarin Club is registered as a Contact person: Fang Jun non-profit, non-share-holding corporation Eastern, Greenwood and Danforth areas. Massey College, 4 Devonshire PI. which was founded four or five years ago Although it is not as big as Chinatown West Univ. of Toronto by a "group of dedicated, socially conscious (Spadina and Dundas), it already comprises Toronto, Ont. M5S 2E1 and community -oriented Chinese and about 400 stores, most of which are restau- (416) 348-9003 Canadian businessmen and businesswom- rants, groceries and beauty salons. About half of these businesses have joined the en." It is managed by professionals under 2) Students' the supervision of the Board of Directors. CCC (East Toronto). Association The East was established seven Its objective is to establish a world-class, CCC Formed in October 1990, this organiza- private membership organization that pro- years ago to promote cooperation among tion aims to provide social events for Chinese-Canadians other vides a core for business, personal and cul- and Canadians Mandarin-speaking students. Its member- and to provide liaison with different levels tural life. It has also established reciprocal a ship, now over 180, consists primarily of relationships with prestigious clubs in Hong of government to ensure the security and students from Taiwan but also includes Kong, Taipei, Singapore and China. success of businesses in the neighbourhood. some from Hong Kong and Mainland China. In the years, the Its membership in 1990-91 was 675, the past two CCC has worked Contact person: Vivien Tang majority of whom were Chinese with about with both municipal and provincial govern- 81 Wilkinson Dr. 20% non-Chinese. Members are mainly doc- ments to improve the garbage and parking Willowdale, Ont. M2J 3Z6 tors, lawyers, accountants and real estate problems as well as crime prevention in the (416) 499-3549 investors - a fact which the Club hopes will area. It also sponsors cultural activities such Associations, cont'd, page 18

UPDATE 17 Associations, from page 17

Way Walkathon and the coordination of 14 Bill of Rights Conference 3) Univ. of Toronto China Affairs Chinese Students Associations of Ontario in

Association fund-raising efforts for China flood relief. To mark Hong Kong's entry into a new First registered at U. of T. in September The majority of members come original- legal era, the Faculty of Law of the the Association of of T. Chinese 1989 as U. ly from Hong Kong and are divided almost University of Hong Kong held a three day Students Concerned for the Student equally between visa students and landed conference on the Bill of Rights at the end

in China, it started in Movement was immigrants. There are also several members of June. The conference was sponsored in response to the 1989 massacre in Peking. At from Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The orga- part by the Government of Canada, which the time it had a membership of 50-60 peo- nization is open to all undergraduates, has shown a sympathetic attitude towards ple, the majority of were students whom including Canadians of non-Chinese back- the introduction of a bill of rights. Canada, from Hong Kong but also included some ground. It is partly funded by the Y.U. as one of the few common law countries to Canadian Chinese and non-Chinese. This Federation of Students and partly by mem- have a charter of rights, is also well placed past year it has kept a low profile and has bership fees and the annual fund-raising to give help to Hong Kong legal authorities only about 10-20 active members, all of dance. in implementing their new bill, especially whom are students from Hong Kong. About Contact person: Angus Chan through the use of case law. half of these are visa students. Student Centre, Suite 448 Wang Gungwu, the Vice Chancellor of Concerned with affairs in current China York University the University of Hong Kong, opened the and Hong Kong, it was very active in the North York, Ont. M3J 1P3 conference. He underlined the importance summer and fall of 1989. Its activities (416) 490-6817 of the execution of the Bill of Rights (on included issuing statements, organization of hotline: 736-2100, ext. 20495 June 8, 1991), but warned that the Bill was study groups and film shows and the publi- not perfect in itself. Its implementation cation of news updates. It also organized a 2) York Univ. Chinese Alumni depended on the probity and honesty of signature campaign to petition the Foreign Association lawyers, on the maintenance of the rule of Minister of Canada and the Prime Minister This newly formed association (Sept. law, and on the value given to human rights of Britain for support of Hong Kong peo- 1991) is the first cultural alumni chapter by the people of Hong Kong. ple's right of abode in Britain. supported by York University. It was found- The keynote speaker was Sir Derek Contact person: Patrick Ma ed by five graduate students who feel there Cons, Vice-President of the Court of Apt. #806, 401 Queen's West Quay is a need to maintain communication after Appeals of the Supreme Court of Hong Toronto, Ont. M5V 2Y2 graduation, especially since many former Kong, who spoke about the challenges of (416) 280-1898 students return to Hong Kong to work and implementing a bill of rights. Philip Dykes, subsequently re-enter Canada as immi- the Assistant Solicitor-General of Hong 4) The University of Toronto Chinese grants. As the Association is open to all Kong, was caught in the Philippines by the Alumni Association (UTCAA) interested undergraduates and graduates, its eruption of Mount Pinatubo. His speech, Composed of about 50 graduates from membership is expected to be large. It plans which was read for him, described the evo- U. of T., the main purpose of this organiza- to publish a newsletter and will support lution of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. He tion is to maintain the contacts of Chinese Chinese alumni at other universities in made reference to the role in drafting the students after graduatioa Most of these stu- forming their respective alumni associa- Bill played by Mr. Justice Barry Strayer, of dents were active as undergraduates in the tions. the Federal Court of Canada. Chinese Students' Association. Chairperson: Angus Chan Another absent speaker was Professor Contact person: Dominic Su c/o York Alumni Association Gong Xiangrui, of Peking University, who 248 Alexmuir Blvd. West Office Building was, for unspecified reasons, unable to Scarborough, OnL M1V 1T7 York University attend the conference. His paper, which was (416) 754-0896 North York, Ont. M3J 1P3 read by the conference convenor, Dr. Johannes Chan of the University of Hong Chinese Student Organizations at Kong, came out in favour of both Hong York University Kong and China moving with the 'interna- 1) York Univ. Chinese Students' tional flow towards human rights,' but Association noted that human rights required freedom of This association was formed in the late expression and assembly and the tolerance 1970's with the aim of helping Chinese stu- of minority opinions. Professor Gong's dents adjust to and integrate into the univer- absence was the subject of considerable sity community. Its primary activities on press coverage; he was interviewed from campus are social, including participation in Peking by telephone but could give no clear York Multicultural Week. It also publishes reason why he had not been able to go to the a newsletter for members, in addition to conference. The assumption in the Hong supporting the Chinese campus newspaper Kong press and at the conference was that Jin Xue. Its functions beyond the campus the conclusion of his paper - that the Bill of include participation in the 1991 United Chinatown East, Toronto Rights was not incompatible with the Basic

18 UPDATE Law - was the cause of his absence. of York University and Johannes Chan. lems, Chinese-language coverage and ethical

The Canadian speakers at the conference all Proceedings focused on the presentation of aspects. Highlights of the discussions included presented analyses of the working of the five papers: "Hong Kong's International the substantial growth and importance of Charter of Rights in Canada. Chief Personality: Issues and Implications" by Roda Hong Kong investment in Canada, the effec- Superintendent Cummins (Vancouver Mushkat from the host Law Faculty, "Coming tiveness of Business and Entrepreneur RCMP) reassured the audience that the Charter and Going Under Immigration and Refugee Immigrant Programs from both provincial and had not proved to be a 'criminals' charter' and Law" by William Angus; "Personal and federal perspectives, the changing focus of that although the Charter had forced some Corporate Status in Hong Kong" by Philip immigration flows to Canada and government changes in law enforcement, it had not diluted Smart of the UHK Faculty of Law; "Civil planning, and the tendency of the press to its effectiveness. Professor Rosemary Cairns Proceedings Arrangements between Hong emphasize the more negative rather than posi- Way (University of Ottawa) spoke about the Kong and Canada: Service of Documents, tive aspects of this immigration process. revitalising role of the Charter within Canadian Taking of Evidence and Enforcement of Of particular concern was the sensitive legal process. Judge Walter Tamopolsky Judgments" by Maurice Copithome from the issue of reporting "Asian Crime," avoiding

(Ontario Supreme Court of Appeal) delivered Faculty of Law at the University of British stereotypes, and the importance of disseminat- a paper on equality and discriminatory prac- Columbia; and "Extradition Between Hong ing accurate information to the press, includ- tices. Retired Supreme Court Justice Bertha Kong and Canada" by Janice Brabyn of the ing statistics on crimes committed by Asian Wilson spoke about the effect that the Charter Faculty of Law, UHK. immigrants and refugees. Other topics dis- has had on the rights of women. Following each paper, the approximately cussed in the afternoon sessions included civil Frank Stock, the Hong Kong Solicitor 25 invited guests from various Canadian and rights in Hong Kong and coverage of complex

General spoke of the challenge of the Bill of Hong Kong backgrounds discussed its content legal issues such as the new Bill of Rights, the

Rights, and of Hong Kong's duty to give it life. and offered further observations. The revised media in Hong Kong and its reporting of

He thanked Canada for her help in bringing it papers will shortly be published as a mono- Canadian issues that affect immigration, dif- into being and said that Justice Strayer's advice graph by the Canada and Hong Kong Project. ferences in the emphasis of Qu6bec's immi- had been of immeasurable value. In view of the success of this workshop, its gration policy and its effect on Chinese-

The first challenge under the Bill, on June convenors are considering a similar proceeding Canadians. Issues raised included the predom-

26th, came just after the conference. In district in Toronto during the Hong Kong in Canada inant negative images of new Hong Kong court, Judge Cameron refused to sign orders Festival next fall immigrants in the press, the reporting on prob- preventing three people who owed taxes from lems experienced by Asian newcomers to leaving Hong Kong, on the grounds that Canada, and the specific problems of the Section 8 of the Bill of Rights gives people the Media Workshop Chinese-language press in covering Hong right to leave the territory. Judge Cameron was Kong immigration issues. Peter Desbarals, reported as saying that 32 orders had been Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at

by Janet A . Rubinoff signed since June 8th, the day the Bill became the University of Western Ontario, concluded Toronto law, but only after the conference did judges the workshop with a discussion of broad ethi- become aware that such orders might be in cal issues in press coverage, such as the prob- Another Project workshop, 'Dialogue on contravention of the Bill. lems of sensationalism, competitiveness and Hong Kong: Coverage of Hong Kong Issues negativism He emphasized the positive devel- in the Canadian Media," was held in opments of a more diversified media and bel- Vancouver on June 15, 1991. The workshop ter educated, self-critical reporters. Legal Issues Workshop was co-sponsored by the Asia Pacific The list of speakers included Victor Fung Foundation of Canada. The 30 invited partici- of the Financial Post, Louis Ferguson and by William Angus pants included members of the English and Mildred Morton of Employment and Toronto Chinese Canadian media as well as academics Immigration Canada; John Gray, Director of and representatives from provincial and feder- Business Immigration, Government of British Entitled "Canada-Hong Kong: Some Legal al government agencies, the Hong Kong Columbia; Kevin Griffin from the Vancouver Considerations," a workshop, sponsored by the Trade Development Council, the Asia Pacific Sun, Sgt. Benjamin Eng, Metropolitan Canada and Hong Kong Research Project of Foundation, the Vancouver and Toronto Toronto Police; Prof. Maurice Copithome the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, was police, and local Chinese-Canadian communi- of UBC, Faculty of Law; Prof. Anthony held June 26, 1991, at Robert Black College of ty organizations. Chan, School of Communications, Univ. of the University of Hong Kong. Jointly orga- The workshop opened with remarks by Washington; Luc Chartrand of I'Actualite; nized with the UHK Faculty of Law, the work- Graeme McDonald, President of the Asia Prof. Bernard Luk, Dept. of History, York shop was convened by Johannes Chan of the Pacific Foundation, who stressed the growing University, Paul Tsang from Sing Too UHK Law Faculty and William Angus from mutual interdependence of Canada and Hong Newspapers, Vancouver; and Prof. Peter Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. Kong - not only in terms of business and trade Desbarats, Univ. of Western Ontario. A Vice-Chancellor Wang Gungwu of the but also in terms of human relationships and transcript of the proceedings is in prepara- University of Hong Kong opened the proceed- ideas. Four sessions focused on media cover- tion and will be available soon from the ings with some amusing and thoughtful obser- age of investment and trade, the impact of Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies. vations of historical and legal dimensions. The Hong Kong immigration, political issues, and ensuing sessions were chaired by Diana Lary special concerns including immigrant prob-

UPDATE 19 CANADA AND Hong Kong Seminar at Future Workshops HONG KONG UPDATE CASA Meetings Two Project workshops will be Brock University held in January of 1992. The first, Editors Diana Lary will be Janet A. Rubinoff by Bob Perrins "Quebec et Hong Kong," Toronto held on January 8th at the Illustration & Design Universite du Quebec a Montreal Creative Communications A session devoted to Hong Kong issues IMS and will focus on Quebec immi- was one of the best attended at the recent gration issues and policies. The Contributors William Angus Canadian Asian Studies Association (CASA) convenors are Prof. Claude-Yves Phil Calvert October conference held at Brock University, both Susan Henders Charrron and Jules Nadeau, 4-6, 1991. The high turnout for this session Paul L.M. Lee of the University du Quebec a reflects a heightened interest in Hong Kong Paul Levine Montreal, department de commu- amongst not only the general population but D. Wendy McCallum nications. Bob Perrins also within the community of specialists in Hugh XiaobingTan As 1997 draws near East Asian Studies. The second workshop, "Hong Irene Tong attempting to understand the scholars are Kong-China Relations: Economic colony's past and present as well as to formu- Dimensions," is sched- Canada and Hong Kong Update is and Social late various scenarios of what the future may published three times a year by the uled in Vancouver at the hold. The papers that were presented at Brock Canada and Hong Kong Project, University of British Columbia on University reflect these efforts and demon- Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies. January 17-18th. Jointly convened The Joint Centre has recently moved strate that no consensus exists regarding Hong by Prof. Graham Johnson of the its offices. (Please note our new Kong's post-1997 status. Department of Anthropology and address and fax number.) Claude Comtois of the Universite de Sociology, UBC and Prof. B. Suite 270, York Lanes, role that Montreal addressed the historical of York University, 4700 Keele St, Michael Frolic, Department Hong Kong has played as a trading and finan- North York, Ontario, Political Science, York University, | cial hub in Britain's relations with China. He CANADA M3J 1P3 the workshop will explore eco- the recent Sino-British negotiations discussed nomic and cultural aspects of the Telephone: (416)736-5784 over the PADS project and placed them with- relationship between Hong Kong Fax:(416)736-5688 context His paper analyzed the in a historical and South China. short, medium and long-term implications of Opinions expressed in this newsjoumal the final settlement Dr. Bernard Luk of York are those of the author alone. University addressed the fact that Hong Kong as a distinct entity has largely been neglected CANADA AND HONG KONG PROJECT by historians; he concluded that as much research as possible must be conducted soon New Books and Lary Director Diana for scholars' access to sources after 1997 is of Articles on Hong Kong Janet A. Rubinoff Coordinator some doubt of Maurice Copithome of the University Inside Advisory Board David Bond The Hidden Establishment: The British Columbia presented a paper on the Denise Chong Story of Canada's International 's involvement and Maurice Copithome Business Elite, by Brian Milner, Viking, Frolic in numerous international bod- Dr. Bernie membership 1991. John Higginbotham ies. Professor Copithome contended that the Graeme McDonald legal position within these bodies is colony's "From a Segregated Minority to Dr. T.G. McGee predicted that Hong well established, and he Citizens: the Hong Kong Jules Nadeau Chinese Kong will retain some degree of indepen- Dr. William Saywell Immigrants in Toronto," by Makio and identity after 1997 because of its Dr. Wang Gungwu dence Morikawa, in Proceedings of the First agencies. membership in these international Tsukuba Seminar on Canadian Studies, We want to thank the Dormer Canadian Sonny Lo from the University of Toronto dis- 1990, pp. 100-17. Foundation for its very generous support cussed the problem of perception in Sino- has made this project possible. The which with regard to Hong Kong. British relations "Personal Relations and Divergent Foundation's long-standing interest in deal of misunderstand- He noted that a great Economies: a Case Study of Hong Kong Canada' s international relations with Asia ing on both sides has resulted in recent acri- has enabled us to conduct research which we Investment in South China," by Alan negotiations, most notably those that consider to be of great significance for the monious and Josephine Smart, in International with the PADS project Professor Ruth future of the country. dealt Journal of Urban and Regional University of Toronto (Ontario Hayhoe of the Research, v.15, no.2, 1991, pp. 216-233. This publication is free. Institute for Studies in Education) chaired the Please call or write to us for past session, and Jules Nadeau of the Universite or future issues. du Quebec a Montreal was the discussant 1

c

I ^m* CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Number 6 WINTER 1992

HSTIVALHONC; KONG 9

: Bridge Across the Pacific ££ ^ Wfc 5% M 7)Q IW Pont Sur Le Pacifique

Festival Hong Kong 92. to be held this governor. Sir David Wilson, visited Ottawa to bring in local organizations with an inter-

autumn, is the second of the reciprocal festi- and Toronto in 1990, but was not able to visit est in Hong Kong. These will include busi-

vals celebrating the Canada/Hong Kong rela- Vancouver then). ness, academic, cultural and social activities.

tionship. Festival Canada was held in June The motto of Festival Hong Kong is Some of the funding for the Festival will

last year (see Update 5). While all of Festival "Bridge across the Pacific/Pont sur le be provided by the Hong Kong Government,

Canada's events were held in one place, the Pacifique." Some of the events of the and other parts will be raised from private

size of Canada means that Festival Hong Festival will originate in Hong Kong and will sponsorships as was the case with Festival

Kong will be held in several cities. It will be coordinated by a steering committee there Canada.

start with a gala function in Toronto. Festival which is chaired by the secretary for An office has been set up in Toronto by

events in Toronto will be spread over the Recreation and Culture. These events will the Hong Kong Government to provide

week September 28-October 4. During include cultural and sporting events, a film information on the Festival:

October, Festival celebrations will be held in festival, trade seminars and store promotions. Tony Dickinson Agnes Tse

Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary and will end Local committees in the five places where Festival Administrator Assistant Festival Administrator in Vancouver on October 22. The governor Festival activities will be held (Calgary.

Suite 5900, One First Canadian Place. of Hong Kong is expected to attend the Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver) Toronto M5X 1K2 Vancouver part of the Festival. (The present will be organizing a complementary program Tel: (416)777-2209 FAX: (416) 777-2217

IN THIS ISSUE: Pre-migration Programs in Hong Kong 5 Canadian Organizations in Hong Kong 1 Immigration Applications 6 Goddess of Democracy Erected at UBC 12 '92 13 Festival Hong Kong 1 British Parliament. Citizenship & HK Indians. .6 West's Democracy Push Emigration of Business & Professionals 2 Beijing Update 8 HK Visa Students in Metro Toronto 14 Hong Kong Recruitment 4 Political Implications of Lu Ping's Visit to HK 8 Quebec-Hong Kong Colloque 15

The Points System and its Implementation 4 Canadian Politicians. China & Hong Kong 9 Hong Kong and Its Hinterland Workshop 16 per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND 1991, concluded that "weak fixed invest- is aKo worth noting that Hong Kong busi- As far as Hong Kong itself is concerned. ment growth and continued emigration of ness migrants account for the majority of business migration programs are clearK professionals and skilled workers have lim- those entering Canada and Australia under responsible for significant losses in both

ited the capacity for an early return to the such programs. ( )t the total number of business people and funds to the colony. high growth rates experienced in the past." a entrepreneur and investor immigrants who During the year 1988-89 alone, a total ol

\ lew w ith which the firm Price Waterhouse arrived in Canada in 1988 (4,437), those 2,520 business people emigrated from Hong has recently concurred. In the face of this, it from Hong Kong accounted for 37'< or Kong to Canada and Australia where they

is perhaps little wonder that businesses have 1 ,633 cases. Of the total number of 1 ,864 planned to create 15,750 jobs. Those that begun to leave the colony. In this respect, business migrant visas issued in Australia had left during 1987-88 indicated that the)

Cathay Pacific's recent move of its comput- between July 1988 and March 1989, Hong were transferring a total of HKS14.7 billion

ing operations to Australia is but one exam- Kong cases accounted for 887 or 48< < of the out of the colony, those that left in 1989-90 ple of a grow ing trend. total. took approximately HKS 15.64 billion. Businesses have also began to leave An impression of the economic impact According to one Australian banker, this

Hong Kong in growing numbers because of on Hong Kong of such business migration figure represents almost half the entire the recent development, particularly by to Australia and Canada can be readily amount transferred by all Hong Kong Canada and Australia (and in the USA since gained from the following statistics. During migrants and investors to these two coun- 1990), of another stream of emigration - the three year period 1984 to 1986. Hong tries in 1989 and 25% of the total world- one specifically targeted at entrepreneurs Kong entrepreneur migrants planned to cre- wide transfer of funds from the colony in

and investors in the colony, that of "busi- ate or retain 1 1 ,979 jobs in Canada; those that year. Such figures are estimates for ness migration." Indeed, it could be argued arriving in 1988 alone planned to create or only annual periods. Clearly, the total loss that both these countries have tolerated the retain 8.654 jobs. Of more concern, perhaps, to the colony from the inception of such large increase of Hong Kong immigration in are the data on the movement of funds. By programs to at least 1997 can only be recent years because it brings with it 1989 the total amount of funds transferred guessed at. but must be of considerable entrepreneurs and investors. Certainly, it to Canada by all migrants from Hong Kong magnitude. appears that business migration programs in in that year was Cdn$3.5 billion, of which The challenge that Hong Kong now both countries have become increasingly some $2.21 billion or 63% was to be trans- faces, therefore, is how to solve the many tailored to meet the needs of the Hong Kong ferred by the business migration compo- problems posed by such a drain of skills and business person. nent. Since it is estimated that the total dol- resources due to the emigration of profes-

The Canadian business migration pro- lar flow (including investments) from Hong sionals and business people. It would be gram, which has been in operation since Kong to Canada in 1989 was approximately inhumane and illegal under international 1978. has three components: the "self- Cdn$5 billion, this means that business law to prevent emigration from the colony. employed" (who are required to create their immigration from Hong Kong was responsi- However, it is not with such a response that own employment), the "entrepreneur" (who ble for 44% of the total flow of funds in that the solution lies. Rather, existing govern-

must establish a business that hires at least year and overall immigration from Hong ment policies to combat the problem should one Canadian), and the "investor" (who Kong for 70%. continue. These have been styled "retain

must possess a minimum net personal worth Data for 1990 are still very preliminary, and retrain" in the case of those designed of Cdn$500.000 and must commit at least but the consensus points to a figure of directly to combat the brain drain, and "new Cdn$250,OOO for a five year period to an approximately CdnS4 billion as the amount crew" in the case of those designed through investment that contributes to business estimated to be transferred by all emigrants education and overseas recruitment to development and job creation, a component from Hong Kong to Canada. In fact, such a replace those lost to Hong Kong. Moreover,

only in operation since January 1986). Of figure is quoted in the official Canadian the potential of the one major influx of pop-

these three, the entrepreneur component has government briefing book used for Prime ulation that Hong Kong has received - and - comprised approximately 75% of all admis- Minister Brian Mulroney's 1991 visit to the most commentators ignore in this regard

sions made under the program. The Crown Colony. If we assume that the pro- its refugee and illegal immigrant population Australian program (which operated portion of this flow contributed by business of approximately 50.000. ought not to be

between 1976 and 1991 when it was migration remains the same as in 1989. this overlooked by the Hong Kong authorities. replaced by an "independent-business would mean that some Cdn$2.5 billion was However, as the evidence abundantly skills" category) sought those who would transferred by business migrants to Canada indicates, these strategies alone are inade-

transfer to Australia assets of at least from Hong Kong in 1990. quate. For example, by February 1991 far Aus$500,000 "for the purposes of engaging Turning to Australia. Kwong has esti- fewer people than expected had applied for

in a commercial enterprise of benefit to mated that the 900 business migrant fami- British citizenship - an important plank in Australia." lies from Hong Kong who received visas in the scheme to retain key workers in Hong Data for these programs show that busi- 1989-90 transferred Aus$432 million to Kong. Evidently, the lack of Chinese com- ness migration was responsible for 15% Australia in that fiscal year. This figure rep- mitment to recognize such arrangements

(4,760) of all Hong Kong immigration into resents 84% of that transferred by all Hong after 1997 and the unattractiveness of the Australia between 1982 and 1988, and for Kong migrants to Australia in 1989-90. a British economy relative to that of North 19% (7,574) of Hong Kong immigration total of Aus$512 million. America have effectively eliminated this

into Canada over the years 1987 to 1988. It approach as a solution.

Emigration, cont'd page 4

UPDATE 3 Emigration, cont'd from page 3 business emigrants and professionals. They must be persuaded to renounce the lure of

Similarly, despite HK government opti- what seems to be "easy money" and skills, mism, return migration rates are woefully and instead to demonstrate their professed low, and recruitment campaigns overseas faith in Hong Kong's continued economic

have so far achieved very little. The Hong future. The various business migration pro- Kong Social Welfare Department's 1989 grams that these countries have focused on campaign only resulted in seven Canadian Hong Kong, by their very nature, clearly do

applicants (only two of whom could come not do this. Therefore, at the very least. Hong

in 1990), whereas total vacancies totalled Kong ought to insist that they be abandoned 593 posts. Expanded tertiary education also and demand that they be replaced by sup- faces ever-increasing losses as students portive economic policies and emigration

themselves go overseas. programs which are sensitive to the needs of Rather, the answer rests with those coun- Hong Kong rather than to those of the USA,

tries that have sought after Hong Kong's Britain, Canada or Australia.

Hong Kong Recruitment

Emigration from Hong Kong, plus eco- nomic expansion, has created a shortage of skilled manpower which by 1996 will be acute. Even the rapid expansion of tertiary education will not be enough to prevent a

shortfall of over 30% in Hong Kong's needs in 1996 [John Chan, Secretary for Education and Manpower, speech, 19 July

1991]. One of the ways in which this short-

fall will be filled is by recruiting qualified overseas people, including emigrants from Hong Kong now living abroad. The govern- ment of Hong Kong has entered into a joint venture with the Hong Kong Institute of Personnel Management, the Hongkong Bank, and other private sector interests to set up Hong Kong IPM Manpower

International. This is a non-profit company whose task will be to identify qualified applicants abroad and match them with

Hong Kong employers. Toronto is to be a major focus of activity, given the large number of potential candidates there. The company is also setting up a computer data

1 M\M Mm U4ii.

1 B^H^D Pre-migration Programs in Hong Kong

by Harriet Clompus Hum; Kti/ia

Emigration from Hong Kong to Canada Commerce, the Chinese-Canadian The second program was set up by has increased rapidly in the last decade. In Association, and the Canadian University. International Social Sen ices (ISS) 111 human terms this figure represents a great Association (H.K.). With one full-time January 1991 and is funded by a private deal of potential anxiety and trauma as peo- coordinator, Lyneita Swanson. the program donation from the Marden Foundation ple face the difficulty of adjusting from one consists of a seminar held one evening a (Hong Kong). It provides more individual- culture to another. week for new immigrants. This free seminar ly-tailored and long-term services and can While there are several long-standing provides a unique service, there being no be seen as complementary to the "Meet with post-migration organizations in Canada to equivalent program offered by Canadian Success" program. The latter will refer peo- offer assistance to new immigrants from organizations elsewhere in the world or by ple to the ISS program if it cannot deal with Hong Kong, until recently there have been non-Canadian organizations in Hong Kong. enquiries within the seminar format. no equivalent organizations in Hong Kong The program is actively supported by the For a nominal fee, the ISS program working to allay pre-migration anxieties. Commission with details of seminars given offers a series of services for those consid- This has meant that prospective immigrants at the time of visa issuance and the venue ering migration to North America and have had to rely on friends and relatives being inside the Commission. Howe\ er. Australia and to those who have already who had already emigrated, so-called Ms. Swanson stressed that "Meet with obtained immigrant visas. The service

"immigration specialists/consultants" (a Success" is independent of the Commission employs one full-time social worker and term used by one of the unsuccessful candi- and that attendance is voluntary and not a one support staff member. Pre-migration dates in the September Legco elections to condition of visa issuance. Nevertheless, the coordinator, Ms. Wan Fong Tarn, said that describe himself), or commercially-run pub- attendance rate is extremely high, w ith an the Canadian and Australian Commissions lications such as the Chinese Canadian 85-90% uptake, which reflects the consider- have both been helpful in supplying infor- Magazine and immigration guides to obtain able and previously unmet demand for such mation for the program, but there has been the information they required. However, a service. little encouragement or interest from the within the last eighteen months the need for The format of the seminar is a 1 V2 nour American Consulate-General. impartial, non-profit-motivated pre-migra- video, introducing a Hong Kong immigrant Services consist of answering telephone tion information has been recognized. In couple as they go through typical Canadian enquiries and giving more in-depth group or response, two programs have been estab- activities - grocery shopping, "do it your- individual counselling sessions. One of the lished. self home improvements, and sports activi- main areas of concern is the impact of emi-

The first of these is the "Meet with ties. It features two well known Cantonese gration on children and. particularly, its effect Success" seminar program, which provides actors, who are recent immigrants to on their educational progress. There is a general information "regarding the cultural Canada and are "playing themselves." The weekly "mutual aid group" for parents where differences between Canadian and Hong video is followed by a general talk about they can discuss their anxieties. Kong people" through an evening seminar different aspects of Canadian life, given in Approximately eight couples participate in open to all those prospective migrants who conjunction w ith a very well produced and each session, and some weeks there is a wait- have already obtained an immigrant visa. comprehensive information package. This ing list. Participants are encouraged to Set up in early 1990, "Meet with Success" covers many aspects of life in Canada and exchange addresses in Hong Kong and their

is run by the Canadian Club of Hong Kong, includes practical information ranging from destination country, and they are also referred which was established over forty years ago education to car ownership to tips on social to relevant post-migration organizations. as a social and fund raising organization for and communication skills. Dependent on funding, there are plans for

Canadians living in the territory. The The audience then participates in an other services such as skills training classes.

Canadian Club is an independent organiza- exercise to create a personal "checklist" of In early October the ISS pre-migration

tion run entirely on its membership fees, the issues they consider most important in program hosted the 1 2th annual Chinese private donations, and fund raising. the migration adjustment process. Finally, Immigrant Service of North America con- this event However, it has close links with the there is a question and answer session in ference, the first time week-long

Canadian Commission, and its Honourary which all kinds of queries are raised from has been held in Hong Kong. It emphasized

President is John Higginbotham. the educational matters, to taxes, to the bringing the importance of exchanging information Commissioner for Canada in Hong Kong. of ancestors' bones to Canada for burial. and ideas at both ends of the migration "Meet with Success" has received finan- Occasionally guest speakers are invited to route. Agencies from Toronto. Vancouver.

cial support from the Canadian government, present a seminar. Previous guests include and Montreal represented Canada at the provincial government offices in Hong Mila Mulroney, the wife of the Canadian conference. Participants from North Kong, and the Commission for Canada in prime minister, and David Lam, the Lt. America spoke of the necessity for "a Hong Kong, as well as from many corporate Governor of British Columbia. The seminar greater sensitisation of their governments and and private donors and other Canadian is held in Cantonese except when there is a for the needs of Chinese migrants." them- organizations in the territory. The latter non-Cantonese speaker, in which case an stressed that migrants must prepare

include the Canadian Chamber of interpreter is provided. Pre-migration. cont'd page 6

UPDATE 5 Pre-migration, cont'd from page 5 widespread perception that this is a Canadian rather than a Hong Kong issue. Therefore, the

selves as much as possible before leaving ISS program, in particular, has had great dif- Hong Kong. A one day open forum, arranged ficulty in attracting local funds. The annual as part of the conference, was attended by Marden Foundation grant of HK$330,000 over 250 prospective immigrants, indicating will only continue until the end of 1992, after

the high level of interest in the community for which alternative sources of funding must be pre-migration programs. found. So far approaches to numerous chari- "Meet with Success" and the ISS Pre- table foundations and to the government have

Migration program represent a first step proved unsuccessful, and the continued exis-

towards alleviating the anxiety inherent in the tence of the ISS program remains uncertain.

migration process. However, there is a

Immigration Applications, HK CLPR 1989

by Diana Lary Hong Kong

Not all immigration applications are

made by people in the country of last perma- nent residence (CLPR). Some people apply elsewhere, either because there is no

Canadian mission in their own country or

because they are refugees. For others it is for reasons of convenience. Given how long pro-

cessing delays can be in Hong Kong and how many potential Hong Kong immigrants trav-

el, a significant number of Hong Kong CLPR

applications are made at posts other than Hong Kong. The great majority of non-Hong

Kong applications are made in the USA,

many at border cities such as Seattle, Buffalo

and Detroit. There is some indication that

making an application outside Hong Kong is becoming more popular. Though the overall

number of applications fell between 1989 and 1990, the proportion of applications made outside Hong Kong increased. of the ethnic minorities for an effective citi- The debate in Parliament for the Bill improve the Bill in Committee and pleaded zenship. evoked considerable sympathy for the BDTC for the needs of the ethnic communities. Given the size of the government's major- passport holders who could be stateless after In response to such pleas by the opposi- ity, the British Nationality Order-in-Council 1997. Among Tory MPs. Peter Shore. Nigel tion. Home Secretary Waddington reiterated had smooth passage in the House. However. Forman, and Andrew Faulds had advocated the government's position that if an individu- attempting to allay the anxiety of the ethnic either restoration of full British citizenship al from the ethnic minorities were to come minorities as expressed by some MPs. Mr. rights or stronger guarantees for the future of under severe pressure after 1997. the govern Waddington. then Minister of State of the the non-ethnic Chinese communities in Hong iiient would consider his/her application to Home office, indicated that any British Kong. However, right wing Conservative come to the United Kingdom. nationals forced to leave Hong Kong and hav- MP Norman Tebbit led the Tory revolt The Nationality Bill, which obtained ing nowhere to go would be considered sym- against the Bill, arguing that, "we have more royal assent in July 1990. shattered the last pathetically by the government for entry to than enough to do to integrate existing hope of Hong Kong Indians for full British

Britain, given their particular circumstances. [immigrant] communities into British societ) citizenship rights. However, in a recent

In response to overwhelming concern without adding to that burden or exacerbating development concerning the plight of over- expressed by MPs in the debate on 1 6 May existing problems." At the same time, he seas Indians such as in Hong Kong, the

1986. Lord Glenarthur reiterated that. "We expressed concern about the fate of Asians of Government of India is now considering the should consider it an obligation for any Indian descent who were likely to become possibility of amending the Constitution to future government to treat with very consid- stateless and possibly refugees, and advocat- provide dual citizenship to people of Indian erable and particular sympathy the case for ed intervention by the UK Foreign Secretary origin abroad. This augurs well for ethnic admission to the UK of any individual on their behalf with the Government of India. Indians in Hong Kong who hold BDTC pass-

British national under pressure to leave Hong While Labour also criticized the Bill, the ports. New Delhi is expected to announce its

Kong." His statement was the first time the Party, represented by Roy Hattersley, Gerald decision very soon. Although many Hong word "obligation" in the context of the Kaufman and Max Madden, strongly argued Kong South Asians may not prefer to return nationality issue was used by any govern- in favour of full British citizenship for ethnic to India, at least they need not face stateless- ment minister, and raised cautious optimism Indians and other vulnerable groups in Hong ness in the worst of circumstances. amongst leaders of the Indian community of Kong. Paddy Ashdown of the Liberal Hong Kong. Democrat Partv sousht to strenathen and The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons, which visited Hong

Kong in April 1989. submitted a report in

June of that year which questioned whether these assurances given by the British govern- ment were sufficient. The report also recom- mended that the British government had an obligation to extend UK citizenship to "this group of people which it has cooperated in consigning them otherwise to a second class citizenship." Passed on 19 April 1990, the nationality package [see Update, Spring 1990: 12; Fall

1990: 5], offering full British citizenship to 50.000 families of BDTC passport holders of Hong Kong, came as an anticlimax to the

Indian community after its protracted lobby- ing in the territory and in London.

Manchester. UK Chinatown

Saskatchewan remain open. The new government believes Director of the International Division. that the offices to be closed cost more than Saskatchewan Economic Diversification

Government Office they are worth in terms of business done, and Trade Office, "The decision to close especially the one in Hong Kong. The Saskatchewan's international office in Hong In November, the trade minister of the Saskatchewan representative in Hong Kong. Kong was taken as part of a re-evaluation of newly elected NDP government, Dwain Graham Taylor, is a former cabinet minister the Province's overall approach to interna- Lingenfelter, announced that Saskatchewan in the Conservative government; it was tional trade and the severe budgetary deficit would close the three trade offices it main- claimed that his living costs in Hong Kong situation of the province. The government is tains abroad in Hong Kong, Minneapolis were exorbitant. looking for more rational and cost effective and Zurich. The office in London is to According to Robert Perrin, Executive ways to encourage trade."

UPDATE 7 1

Beijing Update

by Jane Greaves Beijing

Continuing the recent trend in the between the United Kingdom and China as the potential for overseas and Hong Kong

Chinese press, there has been little mention it provides certainty for the projects and participation in it. The inference being of "things Hong Kong" during the winter "also provides a practical framework within given is that Hong Kong is eagerly antici-

months. In the few articles that have which various issues related to the develop- pating its return to the motherland and is appeared, the concern of the Chinese gov- ment of the new airport can be discussed by demonstrating this through its willing par- ernment over maintaining stability in Hong parties concerned." The cooperation is reas- ticipation in mainland affairs.

Kong (and presumably the mainland) is suring not only for Beijing but also for Bidding on the Hong Kong airport con- apparent, no doubt a reaction to the events British business circles. A China Daily arti- tracts did actually appear in both the

in the "Soviet Union" last August. This sta- cle reported that a recent delegation of English and Chinese press. This was sur- bility, suggested Chen Ziying, Deputy British business people to Hong Kong saw prising as reference to PADS is usually Director of the Hong Kong and Macao increasing confidence in the territory, espe- made under euphemisms such as "major Affairs Office of the State Council, can be cially as the future sourcing, financial and construction projects" or "infrastructure enhanced in two ways: through greater distribution headquarters for Asia. development." One assumes that the cooperation between China and the United The active participation of Hong Kong Memorandum of Understanding has less-

Kingdom in affairs concerning Hong Kong in mainland affairs was by far the dominant ened, though not eliminated, Beijing's dis- and through greater interaction and more issue in the news. Articles covered the pleasure and, hence, PADS's taboo status in channels of communication between the Chinese space exhibition in Hong Kong, to the press. That China is also bidding for mainland and Hong Kong itself. which reccrd breaking crowds of overseas contracts is significant. Cooperation and involvement are the key Chinese and Hong Kong residents flocked; The general impression one gets from

words in the press at the moment. Hong Kong investment in the mainland the mainland press continues to be that the

The signing in September 1991 of the stock market; ihe Hong Kong Trade Hong Kong issue does not merit much

Memorandum of Understanding Development Council's major product pro- space in the press, but what coverage it does Concerning the Construction of the New motion in Tianjin; and the reprinting in a get should show the happy situation in the

Hong Kong Airport is referred to several Hong Kong magazine of a speech given by countdown to 1997. times as a turning point in cooperation Li Peng on Shenzhen's development and

The Political Implications of Lu Ping's Visit in Hong Kong

by Shum Kwok-cheung Hong Kong

Lu Ping, director of the China's Hong These more informal contacts drew much The relationship between China and local Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) public attention. Hong Kong liberals has worsened since the 4 of the State Council, recently visited Hong His contact with many local political June 1989 Tiananmen massacre. At that time

Kong on January 6-14. His visit was partly in organizations, including two minor liberal liberal leaders formed the Hong Kong response to the agreement reached by China groups. Meeting Point and the Association Alliance in Support of the Patriotic and and Britain in the Memorandum of for Democracy and People's Livelihood, was Democratic Movement in China Understanding on the airport issue, which particularly important. However, Lu Ping (HKAPDM) to support democracy in stipulated regular meetings between the excluded the most popular and powerful lib- Mainland China. This organization was

Director of HKMAO and the Governor of eral party, the United Democrats, and its declared subversive by Beijing. To contest

Hong Kong. This trip is particularly notewor- prominent chairman, Martin Lee Chu-ming. the first direct elections to Legco last thy because Lu Ping is the most senior In an open letter in the South China Morning September 1991. leaders of the majority of

Chinese official to visit Hong Kong since the Post, Martin Lee demanded to speak with Lu liberal groups formed a political party, the dispute over the Final Court of Appeal and Ping and stressed that the HKMAO director United Democrats of Hong Kong (UDHK). the establishment of the standing committees "regard the people of Hong Kong as an asset, in April 1990. Liberals won an overwhelm- in the Legislative Council (Legco). not as an enemy; work with us, not against ing victory in the Legco elections, attaining

Although Lu Ping had official contacts us" [SCMP, 12 January 1992, p. 1 1 ]. In refus- 16 (later 17 after a by-election held in with the Governor, Sir David Wilson, the ing to meet with Mr. Lee, Lu Ping stated, December) of the 1 8 contested seats. Twelve real significance of his trip lay in the eight- "We have to make a selection. Some people of these seats were won by UDHK candi- day extension of his "informal visit" in order want to overthrow the Chinese Government dates. This rapid expansion of liberal power, to approach various local communities. - of course we will not see those people. We especially by the United Democrats,

These included pro-China groups, commer- do not have a common language" [SCMP, 1 increased China's suspicion. As evidenced cial associations and political organizations. January 1992, p.3]. by Lu Ping's visit, China's tactic has not

8 UPDATE been to condemn the whole liberal camp but conservative Legco members and headed by Kong electorate should consider if the opposi-

to isolate those leaders active in the alliance senior legislator. Allen Lee Peng-fei, claimed tion to Chinese authority will be beneficial to

for democracy movement, the HKAPDM they wca- recognized as a political entity even the territory. The political group which is not and the United Democrats though the group had not yet functioned as a recognized by China will inevitably face China's strategy of divide and rule - in political party [SCMP, 13 January 1992]. Lu much pressure from within and outside the

t Ihinese terms, the "united front" - led to Ping's invitations also were an indication of camp of Hong Kong liberals.

much criticism as reflected in editorials of acceptable candidates for Hong Kong's future Undoubted!) . China has become an

the Hong Kong press. |See H.K. Economic ruling class. According to Dr. Louie. China's important factor in the Hong Kong political

Times. 10 January 1992; Hong Kong tactic of divide and rule, both powerful and arena, and its influence will increase as 1997

Economic Journal. 1 1 January 1992. and the delicate, had a negative impact on the United approaches. However, the liberal camp is still South China Morning Post. 13 January Democrats who were excluded from meetings the strongest political force with a broad pop- 1992.) As one editorial proclaimed. "The with Lu Ping. At his encounter with two ular base in Hong Kong and cannot be easily

guest list to Mr. Lu's functions over the past minor liberal groups. Lu Ping reiterated that dismissed. In the years to come. China will

week reads like a political register of who is China was not against the United Democrats need to rethink its antagonistic and diehard

in, who is out. who has a future and who has as a whole but only opposed to some members attitude towards the liberals, while the latter

none" [SCMP, 13 January 1992, p. 16]. of the "liberal flagship" because they wanted will have to try to develop more flexible tac-

Commenting on the implications of Lu to overthrow the mainland government. tics to deal with the Beijing government. It is

Ping's visit. Dr. Louie Kin-sheun. Research What China is attempting to do is isolate significant that Lu Ping met with some liberal

Officer of the HK Institute of Asia-Pacific political leaders active in both the UDHK and leaders last January. Nevertheless, if there is

Studies at the Chinese University of Hong the HKAPDM. As 1997 approaches, the to be a smooth transfer of power after 1997, a

Kong, felt that China had successfully reinte- "China factor" w ill become more and more crucial consideration will be the improvement grated and reorganized local political forces important. By undermining the solidarity of of relations between local liberals and sympathetic to Beijing. For instance, after the the liberal camp, China apparently intends to Chinese authorities in both the pre- and post- meeting with Lu Ping, the Cooperative weaken its political power. Chinese leaders transition period. Research Centre, formed by the majority of like Lu Ping stress the fact that the Hong

Canadian MPs and The incident aroused a great deal of interest such judges, but a September Joint Liaison both internationally and in the territory Group decision between Britain and China Chinese Human Rights where human rights issues in China are very proposed to limit foreign judges to one. On close to the bone. December 4th, by a majority vote of 34 to The expulsion of three Canadian MPs The expulsion of the MPs came a week 11, Legco asked Britain and China to recon- from Peking on January 7 aroused consider- after the release from prison in China of sider that decision and to leave the number able interest and excitement in Hong Kong. Hong Kong resident. Lau Shan-ching (Liu of foreign judges open. The request was The three. Beryl Gaffney. L. Nepean. Svend Shanqing) who had served ten years in rejected by the Chinese and British govern- Robinson. NDP. Bumaby-Kingsway and prison in China for giving financial help to ments and by the Hong Kong government. Geoff Scott, PC. Hamilton-Wentworth, members of the Li-Yi-Zhe group of dissi- However, the fact that it was made at all were greeted with bouquets and major press dents. There was much comment in Hong was seen as a sign of a new Legco activism coverage when they arrived in Hong Kong Kong on the relative advantages of being and as a manifestation of lack of confidence on a flight from Peking. They had been Canadian. in Chinese attitudes towards the rule of law. taken to the Capital Airport in Peking, with- The issue aroused considerable interest out prior arrangement and against their will, in Hong Kong and abroad because it con- from a meeting at the Great Hall of the cerns the independence of the future court People with Rong Yiren. vice chairman of and the continuation of a common law the National Peoples' Conference and a Hong Kong's Future regime after 1997. For many Hong Kong leading figure in China's foreign trade Court of Appeal Chinese, and for many people doing busi- establishment. ness there, this is seen as a fundamental The MPs were in China as the guests of In view of the transfer of sovereignty issue. Legco is the only partially elected the People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, a from Britain to China. Hong Kong will no body in Hong Kong. Thus, its present and unit connected to the Ministry of Foreign longer be able to use the Privy Council in future role in making its views on Hong Affairs. Their explicit intention was to look London as its final court of appeal. Both the Kong's legal future strongly felt is being into the human rights situation in China. Joint Declaration and Basic Law describe watched with great interest. For Canada the Chinese authorities became upset when the the setting up of a court of appeal in Hong issue is noteworthy because of the likeli- MPs met relatives of imprisoned dissidents Kong, and allow for an unspecified number hood that, as a major common law jurisdic- and were concerned about the MPs inten- of judges from other common law jurisdic- tion, Canadian judges will be asked to serve tion to hold a press conference in Peking. tions amongst the five judges. Previous on the Hong Kong court. expulsion the press coverage Because of the expectations were that there would be two came from Hong Kong rather than Peking.

UPDATE 9 Premier Harcourt Emphasizes BC-Hong Kong Relationship

Shortly after his election, the new pre- the markets of the North and South Pacific offices of Cathay Pacific Airways are locat- mier of British Columbia, Mike Harcourt, and the United States. In fact, from British ed in Vancouver, which as you know, is the visited Asia in order to underscore the Columbia, it is possible to do business with centre for trade and commerce in British importance his province attaches to the Asia, North America and Europe on the Columbia. region. His stay in Hong Kong at the end of same day. As well, major trading, shipping and dis- November was an important part of his We have strong ties with the Pacific Rim tribution companies like Jardines and Dah visit. The following is an address Premier countries, and we are a central point for Chong Hong have a presence in British

Harcourt gave at the Government of British Asian goods entering North America. One Columbia. Many Hong Kong business peo- Columbia reception for the trade and invest- of our key trading partners in the Pacific ple have made prudent investments in the ment community. November 21, 1991. Rim is Hong Kong. province, including manufacturing plants "I am very pleased to be back in Hong In 1989, for example, British Columbia's established by the Video Technology Group

Kong. I visited here during my years as trade with Hong Kong was in excess of and Qualidux Ltd. They recognize that mayor of Vancouver, and I know of the $280 million. British Columbia's links with British Columbia is a competitive location important and special relationship that the Hong Kong are significant and span many where their new capital investment is province of British Columbia has with the decades. Our people have a close relation- always welcome and supported. people of Hong Kong. ship with the people of Hong Kong, and As British Columbia's new premier. I

As British Columbia's new premier, I there is a strong Hong Kong presence in encourage you to join the growing list of am committed to strengthening and expand- British Columbia. Hong Kong businesses and corporations ing BC"s ties with Hong Kong. I would like For example, many Hong Kong students who are finding that investing in British to tell you a little bit about the province of choose to pursue their education in British Columbia is a wise business decision. British Columbia - our people, our econo- Columbia. In 1990, there were over 2,400 The people of Hong Kong are well my and about our long friendship and rela- students from Hong Kong studying in our known for their entrepreneurial talents and tionship with the people of Hong Kong.... province, and British Columbia is becoming business know-how. As British The province of British Columbia has the new home for thousands of Hong Kong Columbians, we are eager to learn from stunning natural beauty, a clean environ- residents. In 1990 alone, over 6,700 Hong you. That's why, while mayor of ment and first-class educational facilities, Kong residents who received immigrant Vancouver, I worked hard to promote trade, hospitals and social services. We have a visas chose to come to British Columbia. As investment and cultural links with the peo- thriving, dynamic, diverse and growing more Hong Kong immigrants come to BC, ple of Hong Kong. economy - an economy that, like Hong the ties between Hong Kong and our And now as premier of British

Kong, is closely tied to the international province are becoming family ties. Columbia. I look forward to building upon market place. Our trade, investment and business links those efforts so that the people of British

British Columbia is a trading province are also growing. There are many Hong Columbia and the people of Hong Kong can that each year exports billions of dollars Kong investors who have invested in British enjoy even closer ties.... worth of products. In 1990. for example, Columbia industries, ranging from garment May both British Columbia and Hong

British Columbia's exports were valued at factories to light consumer goods production. Kong continue to enjoy friendship, business over $16.5 billion. The head office of the Hongkong Bank partnerships, prosperity and success."

As the westernmost province in Canada, of Canada, Canada's largest foreign-owned

British Columbia is Canada's gateway to bank, is located in Vancouver. The regional

Crosbie Visit to Hong Kong

On January 12-14. , Minister Atlantic Canada and the fisheries. He During his visit, the Minister also attend- for Fisheries and Oceans, visited Hong emphasized that exports of seafood from ed a luncheon with prominent journalists Kong. The minister led a delegation of fish Canada to Hong Kong had risen from from the Hong Kong media, including resi- merchants from Canada and hosted a seminar Cnd$6.3 million (HK$38 million) in 1986 dent Canadians Ben Tierney (Southam on underutilized species for local buyers. to Cnd$14.6 million in 1990. Also Minister News), Susan Helwig (CBC), Don Pittis In a speech to the Canadian Chamber of for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities (Standard Broadcast), and Kelly Commerce in Hong Kong, the Minister Agency, Mr. Crosbie stressed that Hong McPharland (Toronto Sun/Financial Post). reviewed the current state of the Canadian Kong was limited in its investment vision of economy, prospects for constitutional settle- Canada, looking to the Pacific west while ment and opportunities for investment in ignoring Atlantic Canada.

10 UPDATE Canadian Organizations in Hong Kong

by Harriet Clompus Hong Kong

Hong Kong-Canada Business Chinese Canadian Association in grants from Hong Kong to Canada regard- Association (HKCBA) Hong Kong ing cultural differences. The Club is a Founded in Calgary in 1984. the The Chinese Canadian Association was founding member of the Canadian HKCBA was established by Canadian busi- set up five years ago to promote links International School and also participated m '91. ness people to promote bilateral trade. It between Canada and Hong Kong, and in the Festival Canada It has gcxxl relations now has a total membership of 3,400 indi- words of its former Chair, Felix Fong, "to with the Chinese Canadian Association which viduals and corporations and maintains look after the interest and welfare of has contributed to the "Meet with Success" offices in all Canadian provinces. Chinese Canadians living in Hong Kong." program, and many Chinese Canadians are

Early in 1991 John Cheng, a Chinese A relatively small organization w ith only members of both organizations.

Canadian and former executive director of 200 members, it has, nevertheless, been President: Vincent M. Lee the HKCBA who returned to work for the very active in many Canadian projects in Exec. Director: Nancy Dixon Hong Kong government, became the volun- Hong Kong in the past year. These include GPO Box 1587 tary HKCBA representative in the territory. participation in Festival Canada '91, spon- Hong Kong

However, operations in Hong Kong are still sorship of a concert featuring Chinese Tel.Page: 1108-66244 (N.Dixon) at a very preliminary stage with no perma- Canadian musicians, and the hosting of a nent office or near-future plans to recruit visit by a Canadian mountain climbing members locally. Instead Mr. Cheng acted team. The association's main project was its The Canadian Chamber of as a liaison officer, working with Canadian leading role in the establishment of the Commerce in Hong Kong members and Hong Kong contacts and Canadian International School, which The CCCHK is an independent, non- agencies. There are also close links between opened on 15 November 1991. Seven of the profit organization with a mandate to foster the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in twelve founding members of the school's bilateral trade and investment between Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Foundation are from the board of the CCA, Hong Kong and Canada. Since its inception

Development Council, but John Cheng and former Chair Felix Fong is the in 1977. it has grown from a loose collec- emphasized the fact that because the Canadian International School representa- tion of business people to an organization

HKCBA is a Canada-based organization tive on the Canada Club Executive with over 900 corporate and individual and the other two are based in Hong Kong, Committee. The Association continues to be members, making it the biggest Canadian there is no duplication of their w ork. active in fund raising for the school and chamber of commerce outside of Canada. In 1991 the HKCBA sent a delegation to supports the Foundations 's intention to The CCCHK holds up to 80 functions a Hong Kong to participate in Festival w ork tow ard the building of a new facility year which include many seminars, as well

Canada '91, and for the first time since its to further improve Canadian education in as jointly sponsored events with other local

inception, the organization held its annual Hong Kong. chambers and associations. Its bimonthly general meeting there. Prof. Diana Lary, Chair: Kwan Li publication. Canada Hong Kong Business. director of the Canada and Hong Kong c/o The Canadian International School has a readership of over 10,000 in Hong Project, was invited as a guest speaker to GPO Box 946 Kong and Canada. The Chamber is also a talk about the research project. The 7 Eastern Hospital Road founding member of the Canadian HKCBA will take a leading role in the Caroline Hill International School and has contributed to reciprocal Festival Hong Kong '92 to be Hong Kong the Canada Club's "Meet with Success"

held in Canada next fall. Andrea Eng. for- Program. mer national president of the HKCBA. will Exec. Director: Heather Allen serve as Co-Chair of the Festival The Canadian Club of Hong Kong 13/F One Exchange Square Committee. Founded 42 years ago, the Canadian GPO Box 1587 Note: The editors recently learned and Club aims to "create a sense of fellowship Hong Kong regret to report that Mr. Cheng died sud- among ." In addi- Tel: 526-3207 845-1654 denly of a heart attack in February; his tion to social functions, it organizes many Fax:

untimely death is a great loss to his family. fund raising and charity events. Of the friends and colleagues, and we extend our approximately 900 members. Nancy Dixon, sincere sympathy. As a new representative Executive Director, estimates about 30% has yet to he appointed, we do not have a are Hong Kong-born Canadians, with the contact number in Hong Kong for the majority being expatriates. HKCBA. The Club organizes the "Meet with Success" pre-migration seminars [see Pre-

Migration Programs in Hong Kong. p. 5). which provide information to new immi-

UPDATE 11 Goddess of Democracy Erected at UBC

by Hugh Xiaobing Tan

\ ancouver

Those who watched TV coverage of the Lawn Cemetery in Burnaby. B.C.. but this Speakers at the ceremony included rep- 1989 June 4th incident in Beijing will did not attract much public attention. resentatives of the three major organizations remember the destruction of the statue of The proposal for placing the statue at the responsible for construction of the statue the Goddess of Democracy after the UBC site was first put forward by the and other local political figures. Senator Pat People's Liberation Army captured Chinese Student and Scholar Association Carney told the audience that she had Tiananmen Square. Exactly two years later, (CSSA) of UBC. In February 1990 Chair of received calls from the Chinese Consulate a replica of the statue was erected on the the Association. Dongqing Wei, was invited General asking her not to attend the ceremo- campus of the University of British to give a presentation at the Alma Mater ny. She added. "Anyone who knows me

Columbia in Vancouver to commemorate Society (AMS), of which the CSSA is a knows the more pressure on me not to do the 1989 massacre. member organization. A motion was passed something, the more likely I will show up." The idea of recreating the statue was ini- by the AMS to build the statue, and a mem- Vancouver-Point Grey MLA. Dr. Tom tiated by the Vancouver Society in Support orandum was given to the president of the Perry of the New Democratic Party also of Democratic Movement (VSSDM), an university, proposing a site near the Asian mentioned that the Consulate General had organization founded shortly after the Centre. UBC authorities agreed to allow the pressured him not to attend the unveiling. Beijing incident. To raise funds for building statue to be placed at the university but MP Svend Robinson (NDP. Burnaby- the statue, the VSSDM organized a Concert decided on a site close to the Student Union Kingsway), who was later expelled from for Democracy in China on 4 August 1989. Building. The President's Art Advisory China this past January 7 [see Canadian and about $20,000 was collected. At that Committee also examined details of the MPs and Chinese Human Rights, p. 9], time, the VSSDM proposed that the statue plans for the statue from an artistic perspec- and MLA Grace McCarthy (Social Credit. be built at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden in tive. Final approval for the project was Vancouver-Little Mountain) also paid trib- Vancouver's Chinatown. However, this pro- granted in May 1991. ute at the ceremony. A letter was read from posal was refused by the board of the It is rumoured that during the negotia- then Premier Rita Johnston. At the end of Garden, which was reluctant to become part tions between AMS and university authori- the gathering, participants sang "We Shall of "a political forum." In March 1990 ties, the Chinese Consulate General in Overcome," substituting the words "China VSSDM applied to the Vancouver Parks Vancouver contacted UBC in an attempt to will be free some day." The event was cov- Board for the placement of a plaque in the prevent the proposal from being approved. ered by major local Chinese and English city-run Sun Yat-sen Park, adjacent to the However, the university considered this newspapers and TV stations. Garden. This application was also turned matter mainly a student affair and refused to The response from Chinese authorities down because of strong opposition from intervene. After approval was granted, was indirect but strong. The sister-universi- within the local Chinese community. [See Vancouver artists Tom Mash and Chung ty relationship between UBC and

Update, Spring 1990, p. 9.] The VSSDM Hung began construction of the Goddess Zhongshan University in southern China began to look for other sites. A small statue statue. Their final product was a three-meter was discontinued by China, apparently as an of the Goddess was later built in the Forest high, 800 pound statue made of a resin and act of protest. marble dust composite. The actual cost of the sculpture was $25,000. $20,000 of which came from the VSSDM and the rest from CSSA. The Alma Mater Society paid

$ 1 2.000 for preparation of the site. This

statue is said to be the largest, permanent outdoor replica of the Goddess of

Democracy in the world. The unveiling ceremony took place on

Sunday, 2 June 1991. in commemoration of the second anniversary of the Tiananmen mas- sacre. Over 500 people attended the dedica-

tion in the plaza of the Student Union

Building, and participants paid tribute to those

who died in Beijing. The plaque beneath the

statue briefly describes, in both English and

Chinese, the democratic movement in China during the spring-summer of 1989.

12 UPDATE West's Democracy Push in Best Interests of All

by Danny Gittings Hong Kong

It comes as a salutary reminder of how There are persistent reports Lower Albert Asia. believe there are more than a million patchy Britain's record is in defending Road unsuccessfully tried to tone down US people in the territory who have relations in Hongkong people's interests to find other Consul-General Mr. Richard Williams' the city. And Canadian officials privatel) major Western democracies are beginning to speech last May, in which he called for the admit that in the event of Sir David Wilson's take a keen interest in the territory's internal settling of differences between Hongkong so called "Armageddon Scenario" they affairs and, on occasion, publicly voice their and Beijing, and came much closer to inter- would be hard pushed to turn them assay. fears while London remains mute. fering - as the Chinese would put it - in the Finally there is also the not insignificant

It is a trend that is most advanced in territory's internal affairs than is the US fact the health of both the US and Canada's

Canada, but which some analysts belies e habit. economies is increasingly dependent on con- also shows signs of emerging within the US And while no one seems to have tried to tinuing Asian investment, much of it from and Australian Governments, and which tone down Australian Foreign Minister the territory. became unmistakably apparent in the wake Senator Gareth Evans' remarks when he No one knows how much Hongkong of the recent Legislative Council elections. passed through the territory earlier this year, money has flowed into Canada in recent

Then, British - and Hongkong - he too sailed closer to the wind than is diplo- years, although well-informed observers

Government officials sat on their hands and matically customary with a warning political believe the popular emigration destination of refused to pronounce the polls a success, let events on the mainland might harm interna- Vancouver soaked up C$2 billion (HK.S13.8 alone endorse the idea of trying to increase tional confidence in Hongkong. billion) alone last year. the number of directly-elected seats available The Foreign Office - determined to show And some local officials freely admit in 1995. the world it can hand a stable Hongkong over their provinces would be in deep trouble if

Canada, however, had no such reserva- to Chinese rule - is less than enthusiastic this flow of money stopped. "We need your tions. Not only did Ottawa endorse the elec- about such comments. investments if our people are to continue to tions as a success, but she also went as close But far-sighted officials recognise the have of living they expect in the as she could to calling for a speeding up of benefits internationalising the territory's decades to come." said an official in Alberta, the democratisation process. problems can bring, and in particular the now Canada's third most popular destination

"It is clear that the people of Hongkong pressure it exerts on both Britain and China for Hongkong emigrants. are ready to exercise more control over their to improve Hongkong's lot. So Canada- and perhaps also Australia own affairs," External Affairs Minister Ms And it is in this that Canada is streets and the US - has real concerns pushing them

Barbara McDougall said in a statement. ahead of the other Western democracies. Not towards taking a closer interest in promoting

"This is an important first step in increas- only has Ottawa already taken up the issue of Hongkong's autonomy. ing the pace of democratisation in faster democratic reform directly with But that does not lessen the value of their

Hongkong," she said in a tone markedly at Beijing, but officials also revealed last week involvement. China may hate it, perhaps odds with the tenor of the comments then they would be prepared to do the same over Britain too, but if powerful Western democ- emanating from both the Foreign Office and the composition of the Court of Final Appeal. racies pressure these two governments to pay Lower Albert Road. While some in the Canadian Government more attention to the interests of the territo- When asked why they troubled to issue might like to put this keen interest in the ter- ry's population then they will have done such a statement, even normally talkative ritory's internal affairs down to a sense of Hongkong a lasting favour. Canadian diplomats equivocate. altruism, there are solid self-interests under-

What they are reluctant to say. even pri- lining it. The editors have received permission to vately, is what - reading between the lines - The first is the 40,000 Canadian nationals reprint this article which appeared in the is one of the main motives behind the move, now living in the territory. Many - if not South China Morning Post. 3 November a feeling Britain can no longer be relied upon most - are Hongkong-bom Chinese whose 1991. Mr. Gittings' s trip to Canada on 2b to secure the territory's stability and protect foreign passports, on a strict interpretation of October-4 November 1991 was sponsored by its people's interests. China's nationality law, need not necessarily the Department of External Affairs and

If London was doing its job properly be recognised by Beijing, thus giving Ottawa International Trade Canada. One offour there would be little need for other govern- a very real stake in trying to ensure nothing journalists from APEC (Asia Pacific ments to make pointed comments about happens after 1997 that might put this to Economic Cooperation forum) countries issues such as the election. the test. invited to Canada, he visited several cities.

There would be no need either for senior Then there is the question of the huge including Vancouver, Edmonton. Toronto, figures in the US and Australian govern- number of Hongkongers who now have rela- Ottawa. Montreal and Quebec City, and ments to voice their concerns about the terri- tives on the other side of the Pacific. inteniewed Canadian business people, aca- tory's future. Community leaders in Toronto, which has demics, politicians, and government officials the largest ethnic Chinese population outside involved in Asia Pacific affairs.

UPDATE 13 Commissioner Higginbotham Participates in Hong Kong Visa Students "Greater China Day" Seminars in Metro Toronto - a Research Project

During his trip to Canada at the end of financial and human ties over a long period by Paul L.M.Lee

January-early February, John of time. Because of such ties, Canada has a Toronto Higginbotham, Commissioner to Hong "major stake in Hong Kong's future" and

Kong, visited both Vancouver and Toronto also has an important role to play in ensur- The number of Hong Kong students opt- where he met with businessmen, academics ing that future. The commissioner pointed ing for overseas studies has steadily and other interested professionals. In out that since the tragic events of increased in recent years despite the effort

Vancouver on January 3 1 , he spoke to the Tiananmen Square, Canada has "adopted a made by the Hong Kong government to pro- Board of Trade on "Canada-Hong Kong policy to build confidence in Hong Kong," vide additional primary and secondary

Relations as 1997 Approaches." While in and fully supports the autonomy of the school places, as well as to expand tertiary Toronto he participated in the "Greater region as promised under the Sino-British education (universities and colleges). The China Day" seminars on February 7, orga- Joint Declaration. Furthermore, our govern- four countries most favoured by Hong Kong nized by the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific ment upholds the shared, "fundamental val- students for overseas studies are the United

Studies. He was co-speaker at these events ues and liberties which have contributed to Kingdom, USA, Canada and Australia. with M. Fred Bild, Canadian Ambassador Hong Kong's success [and] are essential to From 1985-1990, the statistics for student to the PRC. and John Tennant, Director long-term stability and prosperity." visas issued by these four countries are as

General of the Asia and Pacific North The three speakers also met in the after- follows:

Bureau, Dept. of External Affairs. noon with China specialists at a roundtable

An early morning session, the Asia held at University of Toronto, followed by a Year UK ISA Canada Australia Total Pacific Update breakfast on Greater China, public seminar on "The Future of Canada's 1985 4492 3505 2912 445 11354 was attended by over 1 25 people, primarily Relations with 'Greater China'." The latter 1986 4269 3509 2930 688 11396 from the business community. It was spon- was jointly sponsored by JCAPS and the 1987 4232 3679 3616 1877 13404 sored by JCAPS, the Ontario Centre for Canadian Institute for International Affairs. 1988 3856 4215 3808 3147 15206 International Business, the Asia Pacific Commissioner Higginbotham stressed 1989 4539 4855 5096 4678 19168

Foundation of Canada and the World Trade the importance of Hong Kong in the phe- 1990 4349 5840 5681 5258 21128

Centre. At this meeting, Mr. Higginbotham nomenal economic growth over the past expressed optimism for the strength of decade in the Pearl River Delta of South From the above table, it can be observed

Hong Kong's economy and its continued China, "which is helping to integrate the that the number of Hong Kong students development up to and after 1997, especial- two economies ahead of 1997." Many Hong going abroad for further studies has doubled ly with the agreement between the UK and Kong industrialists "have close links to from 1985 to 1990, and Canada has attract- China on the new airport and container port. Canada," and we should "not overlook the ed more than a quarter of these in 1990.

He stressed the importance of Hong unique opportunities that our ties with Hong Generally a large proportion of visa students

Kong as a key financial and entrepot centre Kong offer." Through these links, the are going to the US to study at the tertiary - "the gateway to the Asia Pacific Commissioner emphasized. Canada can level while increasingly large numbers of region. ..the principal hub for a rapidly "become part of the economic miracle that younger Hong Kong students are attending growing trade between China and the coun- is Hong Kong and its Asian hinterland." secondary schools in Canada and Australia. tries in the region and in the rest of the Greater China Day concluded with a Those coming to Canada tend to concen- world." Not only is Hong Kong "the Asian dinner meeting with presidents and repre- trate in Toronto and Vancouver although headquarters for some of Canada's most sentatives of several Ontario universities to Edmonton and Calgary have become more innovative corporations," it also plays an discuss future linkages between institutions popular. increasingly "unique role as a source of of higher learning in Hong Kong and Visa students have brought their culture human and financial capital for Canada." Ontario and. particularly, instruments for to these schools and, thus, enriched the cur-

He reiterated that Canada and Hong attracting high quality students from the ter- riculum and school life in their new envi-

Kong have developed important trading, ritory to Ontario universities. ronment. However, the acceptance of large

numbers of visa students, in addition to the increasing enrolment of immigrant students from Hong Kong, has placed great strain on the available resources of the school boards

and individual schools accepting these stu- dents. At the same time visa students have often experienced culture shock which can be especially difficult for the younger ones,

many of whom have left their families to

live on their own for the first time. Their

14 UPDATE )

adjustments in the new environment can come difficulties during this transition peri- 5) identification of possible improvements have a tremendous effect on their personal od and to propose possible improvements. in solving problems faced by visa stu development, school performance, and the The research on university students will dents, teachers, principals and the person- perception of Canada in their future career. document their experience and investigate nel of school boards and other agencies. An earlier study of visa students at factors which facilitate or hinder their Canadian universities was done by Kathryn adjustment. The study of Hong Kong visa Questionnaires for university students

Mickle in 1984-86. The present research on Students in secondary schools will focus on have been sent to over 500 Hong Kong visa Hong Kong visa students focuses on both the following points: students at York University. With the coop- public school university and secondary institutions in the 1 the trend and spread of these students in eration and assistance of Metro Toronto area. Dr. Mickle will con- Metro Toronto; boards and independent schools in Metro duct further research among visa students at 2) the psychological, academic, social and Toronto, questionnaires lor secondary York University while Paul Lee and financial problems faced by visa stu- schools have been administered to students Bernard Luk will focus on secondary dents; in these schools. Results of this research schools pupils. 3) the provision of support by individual w ill form the core of a workshop on visa

The aim of the overall research project is institutions, school boards, community students to be held next September in con- to concentrate on the experience and expec- service groups and other government and junction with Festival Hong Kong '92. tations of Hong Kong visa students here and voluntary agencies; Papers will be published by the Canada and the efforts being made by school boards and 4) the difficulties encountered by school Hong Kong Project. universities to meet the challenge. The teachers, principals and related personnel researchers hope to identify specific prob- in providing education and essential ser- lems of these students and ways to over- vices; and

Quebec-Hong Kong Colloque

Le premier colloque. les relations entre Claude-Yves Charron, departement de Louis Leblanc, Levesque, Beaubien. le Quebec et Hong Kong: enjeux, Communication. UQAM; Centre conjoint Geoffrion contraintes et perspectives de developpe- de recherches en communications sur Ernest Leong, Association commerciale ment. a eu lieu le 8 Janvier a l'universite du l'Asie Pacifique Hong Kong-Canada, section Montreal

Quebec a Montreal. II a ete organise con- Luc Chartrand, VActualite Brian Lewis, departement de jointement par le Centre conjoint de Tammy Cheung. Festival international du Communications, Concordia; Centre con- recherches en communications sur l'Asie cinema chinois joint de recherches en communications Pacifique (UQAM et Concordia) et le Projet Celia Chua, soeur Immaculee Conception, sur l'Asie Pacifique Canada et Hong Kong (Joint Centre for Amitie-Chine Pascale Luc. Fondation de l'hotel chinois Asia Pacific Studies - U of T et York). Les Claude Comtois. Centre des Etudes de de Montreal organisateurs du seminaire etaient le pro- l'Asie de l'Est, Universite de Montreal Michel Marcil, S.J., Amitie-Chine, fesseur Claude-Yves Charron et Jules Pierre Danis. ministere des Communautes Montreal Nadeau. On a presente quatre sujets, sur culturelles et de l'immigration Paul Mayer, Association commerciale l'histoire (president, Michel Marcel), la Loy Denis, Association canadienne des Hong Kong-Canada, section Montreal communaute chinoise (president, Francois etudes asiatiques Elizabeth Morey. bureau du recteur,

Vanasse), les relations economiques et Claude Fournel. ministere de l'Education Concordia; Centre conjoint de recherches commerciales (president. Alain Laroque). Jean Goyer, ministere des Affaires interna- en communications sur l'Asia Pacifique et l'immigration (president. Claude- Yves tionales Annick Nadeau. Communication. College Charron). On propose de publier un vol- Camille Gueymard. Telefilm Canada Jean-de-Brebeuf ume au cours de l'annee prochaine, base sur Pierre Hebert. ministere des Affaires inter- Jules Nadeau. Centre conjoint de recherch- le seminaire. Les suivants ont participes au national es en communications sur l'Asie colloque: Henry Ho. Le Permanent Pacifique Alain Larocque. Raymond Chabot Niu Jingren. Service a la famille chinoise. Phillipe Bertrand. Banque Hongkong, International Montreal Montreal Diana Lary, directrice du Projet de Janet Rubinoff. coordinatrice, Projet de Leo Brown. Banque de Montreal recherche Canada et Hong Kong, JCAPS recherche Canada et Hong Kong, JCAPS Lucien Brunet, veteran canadien de la Lau Tin-Yum, departement d'Arts plas- Robert Thibault, faculte de Droit, campagne de Hong Kong, 1941-45 tiques, UQAM Universite McGill Joseph Bunkoczy, ministere des Therese LeBlanc. soeur Immaculee Patrick Tsui, hotel Furama. Montreal Communautes culturelles et de Conception Francois Vanasse. Sinocan, Montreal l'immigration Julia Wang, Banque Nationale du Canada

UPDATE .

Hong Kong and Its Hinterland: Workshop

by Janet Rubinoff Toronto

The fifth workshop of the Canada and The four papers presented included "The Horizons for Regional Development: Hong Kong Project was held in Vancouver. Economic Integration of Hong Kong with Continuity and Transformation in Hong

January 17-18, 1992. Entitled "Hong Kong China in the 1990s: The Impact on Hong Kong and Its Hinterland, 1950s to 1990s" and Its Hinterland." the two-day seminar Kong" by Sung Yun-wing (Dept. of by Graham Johnson (UBC). Presentation of was held at the Asian Centre of the Economics, Chinese University of Hong the papers was followed by a roundtable University of British Columbia. Attended Kong); "Hong Kong-Guangdong discussion which closed the session on by over thirty participants, the workshop Interaction: Joint Enterprise of Market Saturday afternoon. Discussants included focused on the economic and social links Capitalism and State Socialism" by R. Yin- Aprodicio Laquian. Director. Centre for between Hong Kong and Guangdong wang Kwok (Center for Chinese Studies. Human Settlements. UBC; Paul T.K. Lin,

Province. PRC. It was convened by B. University of Hawaii at Manoa); "Towards Institute of Asian Research, UBC; Terry Michael Frolic, Dept. of Political Science, a Greater Guangdong: Hong Kong's McGee, Director, Institute of Asian York University, and Graham Johnson of Sociocultural Impact on the Pearl River Research; and Woon Yuen-fong, Dept. of the Dept. of Anthropology and Sociology, Delta and Beyond" by Gregory Guldin Pacific and Asian Studies, University of

UBC. ( Department of Anthropology, Pacific Victoria. Lutheran University); and "Changing

Lotto 6/49 in Hong Kong

It is now possible to play Lotto 6/49 Lotto 6/49 is advertised as the "world's The brochure for the new service, which directly from Hong Kong. An enterprising largest tax-free jackpot," "the most popular has been widely distributed in Hong Kong, company has recently set up a subscription lottery game in the world," "operated and has a bottle of Canadian champagne on the system which allows punters to play Lotto controlled by the Canadian Government." cover and is liberally dotted with maple

6/49 for periods of 1 to 52 weeks, using the Though gambling is very much a part of leafs. There is no indication in the brochure same numbers for each draw. Subscriptions Hong Kong life and people are used to big as to whether the scheme is legal under cost HK$400 (Cdn$60) to HK$ 12,000 (about winners, the largest ever win on Lotto 6/49. Canadian law or not.

Cdn$ 1 ,800), depending on the time period quoted in HK dollars at $201,365,684.76, and the number of games played in each certainly makes this appear to be a very draw. Tickets are purchased on behalf of attractive way to make a bet. The company punters in Canada. There is no indication as advertising the service, Wellco Limited, to how these sums correspond to the actual offers a "complimentary air passage and one cost of lottery tickets in Canada, which is week's vacation in beautiful Vancouver" to

Cdn$l (HKS6.70) per ticket. punters winning HK$338,0OO (over Cdn$50,000) or more.

The CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE is distributed free at your request.

Please let us know if you would like to be on our mailing list by calling (41 6) 736-5784 ext. 2051

Or write to us at the address below:

Canada and Hong Kong Project JOINT CENTRE FOR ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES

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4700 Keele Street

North York, Ontario M3J1P3 2

2 CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Number 7 SIMMER 1992

Interview with David Lam, BC Lieutenant-Governor

by Hugh Tan Vancouver

In late May I held an interview with Lt. not easy despite his education in the U.S. and 1983. David Lam sold his companies and set Governor David See-Chai Lam, which his experience as a bank manager in Hong up a charitable foundation in his and his

focused on his experience as an immigrant in Kong. Although he was finally offered a posi- wife's name.

Canada, his achievements, and comments on tion with Scotia Bank, he turned it down During their early, struggling years in the recent immigration from Hong Kong. since the job meant returning to work in Canada, the Lams, like other new immigrants, Hong Kong! At the suggestion of a friend, he often compared their former life in Hong From Hong Kong to Canada became a real estate agent, which did not Kong with that in Vancouver. However, they According to the Lt. Governor, one of the require much investment at the time. His new soon made friends with people of many back-

main reasons his family decided to immigrate career was rough going at first for he did not grounds and made deliberate attempts to

to Canada in 1967 was "a passionate love of sell a house for several months. As the Lt. completely integrate into Canadian society.

trees, flowers and the natural environment." Governor related, even now he still remem- David Lam explained that his companies The Lam family had lived in the suburban bers the excitement of earning $400 from his employed over 100 workers, none of whom

area of Shatin in the New Territories of Hong first sale. The Lams celebrated by taking his were of Chinese origin. He also did not read

Kong which was later developed into a city friend's family out for steak at a small restau- Chinese-language newspapers and wanted to

centre, surrounded by concrete buildings. rant. "This was our first steak dinner in become a "pure Canadian."

While travelling in British Columbia, they Canada." Prior to this time, "We bought only

enjoyed the clean air. water, beautiful gardens ground beef in order to save money." David East Plus West and grand snowy mountains. With the Lam recalled this experience as the "happiest David Lam's desire to become Canadian, encouragement of the then Canadian day" in his family's early years in Canada. however, did not mean abandoning all

Commissioner to Hong Kong. David Lam Later w ith the help of his friends, David Chinese cultural traditions. Nor did it mean and his family moved to Vancouver. They Lam was able to establish about thirty compa- forgetting his origins in Hong Kong or chang- found the area "paradise on earth" and deter- nies. "Thanks to Tien Shi, Di Li. and Ren He" ing his appearance in order to seem more

mined to stay. (timeliness, favourable location, and good "Canadianized." Instead, he emphasized that

However, as Lt. Governor Lam explained, personal relations), all companies succeeded the most important thing was to change one's

finding a job in "this earthly paradise" was and earned good money. When he retired in way of thinking. David Lam. cont'd page 2

IN THIS ISSUE: Changes in Family Class Dependency 7 Premier Bob Rae's Visit to Hone Kong 1 HK Immigrants in Canada 7 Mayor Joyce Trimmer 12

Lotto 6/49 in Hong Kong: Stage Two 7 New Brunswick Premier Visits Hong Kong.... 13

David Lam 1 New Canadian International School 8 Bi-cultural Consumers 13

Education Programs 4 Other Canadian School Options in HK 9 Tiananmen Memorial 14

Hong Kong's Reactions to New Governor 5 Concern over Rights to Privacy in HK 10 Project Workshop on China-HK Relations 14 Trends in Immigration 6 Beijing Update 10 Canada-Hong Kong Database 15

CAN-IMMIGRATION-NET 6 Foreign Investment Protection 1! New Project Publications 16 per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND David Lain points out thai he is not a rep should be treated favourably" is harmful and easy one" and may require more than one resentative of Hong Kong immigrants, nor is dangerous to building a harmonious society. generation. The first thing to do is to change he appointed by the Hong Kong government. attitudes. He dislikes the word "tolerate" in

He is the Lieutenant Governor of all the peo- The Canada and Hong Kong Research dealing with racial relations because he feels ple o! British Columbia, regardless of their Project it carries a negative tone: "you have short racial origins. Though he has made consider- Finally, David Lam stressed that he is in comings, but I can still bear with you." The able effort to promote the relationship favour of increasing mutual understanding 1 ,t. Governor suggests using a more positive between B.C. and Hong Kong, this is for the between Canadians and Hong Kong people. word like "celebrate" to refer to the accep- good of the province and the whole country. He feels the Project is "taking a correct and tance of differences between people of

He is equally glad to promote relationships worthwhile course." and finds our Updates diverse backgrounds. "People can learn from with other countries for the benefit of B.C. "interesting and informative." See his letter each other to build a harmonious society." and Canada. However, he feels the thought to the Project below. Therefore, this is the time for changing atti- that "because the B.C. Lt. Governor is a He also commented that the task of tudes - for Hong Kong immigrants as well as

Chinese-Canadian, the Chinese community achieving mutual understanding is "not an for other Canadians.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE 1401 ROCKLAND AVENUE VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA V8S 1V9

David C. Lam (above), Lieutenant- Governor of British Columbia, In my capacity as the representative in British Columbia of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada, I am delighted to have this opportunity to extend my warmest best wishes to the and (right) his letter to the publishers of Canada and Hong Kong Update . publishers of the Canada and I have opportunity Hong Kong Update had a recent to read the latest edition of this publication, and I congratulate everyone associated with this interesting and informative newsjournal.

In addition to its obvious goal to provide information for readers interested in the relationship between Canada and Hong Kong, I believe that it serves a most important role as a cultural bridge - not only between Hong Kong and Canada, but between people of diverse cultures in Canada.

It is, therefore, a significant vehicle for the promotion of better understanding, goodwill and harmony.

I wish the Canada and Hong Project well in its continuing efforts to disseminate information of significance to Canada's international relations with Asia.

Sincerely,

\j%*4* ^

David C. Lam Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia

UPDATE 3 Education Programs for Festival Hong Kong '92

by Janet Rubinqff Toronto

On June 29, Mr. James So, Hong Kong's University of Hong Kong; Y.C. Cheng, Canada and Hong Kong Project (736-5784). Secretary for Recreation and Culture, offi- Director, City Polytechnic of Hong Kong; Other events scheduled for Toronto cially launched Festival Hong Kong 92 at a Charles Kao, Vice Chancellor of the include a downtown "dragon" parade on press conference in Toronto. This month- Chinese University of Hong Kong; Rosanna Sept. 26; a Hong Kong Film Festival (Sept. long extravaganza, largely initiated by the Tarn, former member of the hk Executive 10-19), featuring the work of Hong Kong government, was planned as a and Legislative Councils and graduate of (Ai Chia), Asian film star, director and pro- follow-up to the Canadian-sponsored Festival U. of T. Faculty of Social Work; Lap-chee ducer; the Scarborough Lantern Festival

Canada 91 . held last June in Hong Kong. The Tsui, co-discoverer of the cystic fibrosis on Sept. 29; "Come Celebrate Festival two festivals were developed to "promote gene; and Y.W. Kan, world leader in the Hong Kong 92 in Chinatown" (Oct. 3); friendship and reinforce the growing partner- field of molecular biology. Hong Kong Carnival at the Metro Toronto ship between the two regions." In addition to public lectures, the focused Convention Centre (Oct. 3-4); the Art of

Festival events will be held this fall in workshops include Bio-medical Research, Chinese Theatre - Made in Hong Kong, five cities across Canada, opening in Toronto co-chaired by Lap-chee Tsui and C.C. Liew featuring . (Aug. 15-Sept. on September 26 and closing in Vancouver (U of T); Education Connections, organized 27) at the Royal Ontario Museum; and a

on October 21 . Other festival cities include by Bernard Luk (York); Political Transition Business Seminar on tourism, investment

Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary. An assort- in Hong Kong, chaired by Paul Evans and development opportunities (Oct. 1 ), fea- ment of cultural, business, trade, educational, (York); Business Law Issues, chaired by R. turing keynote speaker the Right Hon. sporting and social events are scheduled to Sharpe (U of T); Constitutional Law Issues, Baroness Lydia Dunn. promote the rich history and tradition of convened by William Angus (York); Societal Educational highlights scheduled for Hong Kong culture—from dance perfor- Issues, organized by Bernard Luk (York), and Vancouver include a 2-day Conference on mances by the Hong Kong Ballet and Chung Visa Students in Metro Toronto, jointly con- Hong Kong: Economic Issues, Legal Ying Theatre Company to sport demonstra- vened by Paul Lee and Kathryn Mickle Issues, Women's Issues, and Human tions and a Hong Kong film festival. (York). For additional information on the Settlement. Scheduled for October 16-17, The local organizing committee chairmen Education Programme, contact Thomas Wu, the meetings will be held at the David Lam are as follows: Maurice Copithorne, former Coordinator (978-4649) or Linda Arthur, Centre for International Communication,

Commissioner for Canada in Hong Kong and Institute for International Programmes Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre.

Professor of Law at ubc, Vancouver: S. (978-1486; fax 971-1381). The Canada and Hong Kong Project will

Robert Blair, C.C., Chairman Emeritus and Two of these workshops are sponsored by sponsor the October 1 7 session on Women Honourary Director of the nova Corporation the Canada and Hong Kong Project. The of Hong Kong, which will be chaired by our of Alberta, Calgary: Dr. Robert Bandeen, Hong Kong Bill of Rights and Right to director. Diana Lary (ubc). Focusing on both

Trustee of the Lester B. Pearson College of Privacy Workshop, convened by W. Angus, professional and working women in Hong the Pacific and Governor of Olympic Trust of will be held on October 2 at York University. Kong and on Hong Kong women in Canada, Canada. Toronto; Frank Ling, an architect Speakers on the Bill of Rights include the workshop will explore the special quali- and National President of the Hong Kong- Andrew Bymes and Nihal Jayawickrama, ties of Hong Kong women which have led Canada Business Association, Ottawa; and both of the Faculty of Law, University of them to play such an important role in the

Bob Issenman, partner of Martineau Walker Hong Kong. Raymond Wacks, Associate territory's development and the way these

and Guest Lecturer on Asian Affairs, McGill Dean of the Faculty of Law, hku, and Eva qualities have manifested themselves in the

University. Montreal. Lau, Faculty of Law, hku, will address the process of settlement in Canada. Featured Among the many scheduled events are issue of privacy and access to information. speakers include . Legislative

several programs with a more academic Planned for October 3, the Hong Kong Council, Hong Kong; Janet Salaff, Dept. of focus planned for Toronto and Vancouver. Visa Students Workshop will explore the Sociology, Univ. of Toronto; Bernard Luk,

On Sept. 27-Oct. 3, a University Education problems and perspectives of secondary and History Dept., York University; Lillian To, Programme will be co-sponsored by the university-level visa students. Convenors success, Vancouver; Elizabeth Johnson, University of Toronto and York University. Kathryn Mickle and Paul Lee will present the Museum of Anthropology, ubc; Lucy

The programme consists of three main parts: findings of their research on hk visa students Roschat. Cathay International TV, Vancouver; a public conference entitled "Societies in in the Metro area. The workshop will also and May Partridge, Victoria. Transition," a series of public lectures, and feature speakers from the Vancouver Board Our Fall Update, scheduled for mid- several focused workshops. The primary of Education, Ontario Ministry of Colleges September, will include a more detailed themes are education, the impact of technolo- and Universities, and Ontario Community schedule of events for Festival Hong gy on society, and societal change. Colleges. The all day session will be held at Kong 92. Keynote speakers at these events include York. If you would like to attend, please con-

Wang Gungwu, Vice Chancellor of the tact Janet Rubinoff, Coordinator of the

4 UPDATE Hong Kong's Reactions to New Governor

by Shum Kwok-cheung

H< 'in; Kong

The long-awaited appointment of the One article in the Hong Kong Economic agreed. These results demonstrate that the new Hong Kong governor w as announced Journal [25 April] stressed that Patten opinions of Hong Kong people on facing up on 24 April 1992. Mr. Christopher Patten, might signify a new style of administration. to China are ambivalent. chairman of the British Conservative Party, In fact, it was reported by the SCMP [25 Commenting on this uncertainty. Prof.

will serve as the 28th governor of the terri- April] that when asked whether Downing Lau Siu-kai felt these results reflected the tory and is expected to remain until the Street or Hong Kong would come first in a declining authority of the Hong Kong gov- 1997 return of Hong Kong to China. The conflict of interests. Patten responded that ernment and the inevitability of China's following report reflects the different reac- he would stand up for the interests of the interference. He further stated that a previ- tions of Hong Kong people to the unexpect- people of Hong Kong. ous opinion survey had indicated the major- ed appointment. China's response was also positive, and ity of Hong Kong residents supported the Although there was speculation prior to Beijing leaders officially expressed the hope autonomy of the territory's administration, the announcement that a politician, rather that Sino-British cooperation would contin- but this trend was changing. The results of than a civil servant, would be the next gov- ue [SCMP, 26 April 1992]. An editorial in the new survey reflect the realization of ernor. Mr. Patten was not on the list of pos- the pro-China newspaper. Wen Wei Po. [25 Hong Kong people that it will be difficult sible candidates until his defeat in the uk April] commented that Patten's appointment for the HK government to make any major genera] elections in early April. The imme- was beneficial to Hong Kong's administra- decisions in the next five years without the diate criticism in Hong Kong w as that tive efficiency in the remaining years of approval of Beijing. Prime Minister John Major's appointment British rule and would establish a smooth While the change of governor may bring of Patten was a hasty, political manoeuvre passage for the transitional period. about a new style of administration, the to compensate for his election loss. A telephone survey, conducted in late political development of Hong Kong has Reflecting the anxiety that the interests April and printed by Sing Tao Daily on May been constrained by the Basic Law. Room of the territory w ere not respected by the 1-2, reflects the opinions of the general pub- for change seems to be limited unless it is

British Government, an editorial in Ming lic of Hong Kong. When respondents were approved by China. Governor Wilson fully

Pao [25 April 1992] stated that for the last asked to compare the incumbent Governor. understood the difficulties he faced in deal- five years of the transitional period. Hong Lord Wilson, and the newly appointed ing with China. He warned his successor

Kong would be led by someone who was Patten, with regard to their abilities to main- not to let working relations w ith China dete-

unfamiliar with Hong Kong and Chinese tain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, riorate: otherwise it would be difficult for

affairs. It argued that the selection of a over 90% gave a score of 50-100 to Wilson. the to run [HK politician who had just suffered a major (The minimum passing score was 50.) Standard, 27 April 1992]. election defeat was a mockery to the people Reflecting some scepticism towards The beginning of July marked the end of of Hong Kong. Patten's appointment, only 75% accorded a Lord Wilson's term as governor and the

Other opinions expressed a more passing score to the latter. start of Chris Patten's appointment. Concern

favourable attitude to the new governor. When asked to assess the performance of in Hong Kong that he knows little about the Some of the media recognized that despite Wilson on specific policies, respondents territory's affairs has recently been replaced Patten's inexperience in Hong Kong and showed most satisfaction with the former by a feeling that so long as Patten has the

Chinese affairs, his appointment did have governor's handling of Hong Kong-Chinese ear of the British government and is w illing advantages for the territory. He has been relations. Ironically, many Hong Kong peo- to stand up to Chinese pressure, he may be acclaimed a tough, realistic man who will ple believe that the change of governorship more useful for Hong Kong than a gover-

bring a different tone to the government of is due to dissatisfaction of Downing Street nor, such as Lord Wilson, who has a great

Hong Kong. Not only is Patten a senior with Wilson's weak stand in facing China. deal of knowledge about China. This pre-

politician in the Conservative Party but, Such an attitude demonstrates a discrepancy sent enthusiasm for Patten w ill make the

more importantly, he is a personal friend of between the UK government and Hong Kong start of his governorship smooth. However, the Prime Minister and the Foreign people on how to deal with Beijing. the enthusiasms cannot disguise the fact that

Secretary, Douglas Hurd. Thus, his close To the question. "Is it necessary for Mr. the road ahead for the last British governor

contact with the top figures of the uk Patten to get approval from China before a of Hong Kong is very complicated and that

Government puts Hong Kong on the British major decision is made." 34.7% of those the expertise in dealing with China that

agenda. John Major has given assurances interviewed agreed and 46.7% disagreed. Lord Wilson displayed may still be very

that Patten would have direct access to him However, when asked whether it is neces- important.

and to the Foreign Secretary at all times [see sary for Mr. Patten to stand up to China to

South China Morning Post (SCMP), 25 check its interference in Hong Kong internal April]. affairs, only 36% agreed, while 48.1% dis-

UPDATE 5 Trends in Immigration from Hong Kong Canada Communicates in by Diana Lary Hong Kong Vancouver

Over the past year there has been a sharp Processing priorities put family and busi- The volume of enquiries at the decline in the number of applications for ness classes at the top of the list. Given the Commission for Canada in Hong Kong is immigration from Hong Kong. The decline variation in processing time, there can be no enormous. To meet the demand, the may be attributed to the booming economy correlation between applications and visas Immigration Section of the Commission in Hong Kong and to the recession in issued. Visas issued may be for applications introduced a year ago an on-line data sys- Canada. The emigration fever of the past which were made several years before. The tem, can-immigration-net, which provides few years seems to have abated. Another number of visas issued is still rising, from answers to most of the questions which explanation might be that the pool of eligi- 22,566 in 1990 to 26,647 in 1991. The fami- prospective immigrants and immigration ble applicants is drying up and that there are ly class again shows a major leap, from professionals, such as lawyers and consul- fewer people in Hong Kong who are eligi- 22% in 1990 to 43% in 1991. The following tants, may ask. The system provides infor- ble to migrate to Canada. This is unlikely to figures are for individuals to whom visas mation on immigration policy and regula- be the case with the independent class, were issued: tions, and on many aspects of Canadian life given the number of young people passing - housing, social benefits, education, medi- through university or college in Hong Kong Visas issued to Hong Kong residents cal care, income tax, etc. It also provides (or abroad) each year and getting to levels regularly updated information on occupa- 1989 1990 1991 of skill which would qualify them for an tional demand in Canada (for independent Family 3566 4937 11513 application to migrate to Canada. The fig- immigrants and assisted relatives), on pro- Assisted relatives 1580 2297 2206 ures below are for principal applicants, not cessing times for immigrant applications in Independent 9851 6855 1668 individuals. Each application accounts, on various classes, and on investor projects. Business 7133 6799 8159 average, for just under three people. Anyone with access to the iNET system can 3101 Retirees 1678 use can-immigration-net for a monthly fee Applications from Hong Kong, by class 1 TOTAL 22130 22566 26647 of HK$80 (about CDN$12). The only restric-

tion is that since the information provided 1989 1990 1991 From the time of their medicals, which is copyrighted to the Commission, it cannot Family 7697 3900 4099 are given shortly before visas are issued, be sold. Assisted relatives 3009 3093 1945 successful applicants have up to one year to The network helps users to understand

3456 1 1 23 Independent 3227 land in Canada. This time lag means that it the complex Canadian system of immigra- Business 8001 4413 1358 is impossible to make an exact correlation tion because it can take them through the

Retirees 3810 903 between figures for visas' issued and land- procedures step by step, explaining what is

TOTAL 21934 18672 9428 ings in Canada, which may well occur in the necessary as a user goes along. It makes it calendar year after a visa is issued. There is possible for people to get information

The percentage of applications from also the possibility that some people who quickly and at any time of the day or night - family members of people already in are issued visas will not use them. information which previously they might

Canada is rising rapidly, from 21% in 1990 have had to queue up for hours to get.

to 43% in 1 99 1 . This is matched by a con- Information can be down-loaded onto PC's, siderable drop off in the number of indepen- Landings by class so that people can study information care-

dent (skilled workers) applications, from fully. The system also takes pressure off the 1989 1990 1991 15% in 1989, to 19% in 1990, and only 12% immigration staff of the Commission, who Family 3252 5606 8188 in 1991. This drop can be seen as a natural previously had to spend a lot of time Assisted relatives 844 2495 2300 part of the process of chain migration, in answering the same questions over and over Independent 8923 12779 3037 which the best able to adapt members of the again. Business 5319 6787 6339 family settle first, followed by relatives who There is no parallel system in operation Retirees 1502 1577' 2182 need the benefit of family sponsorship to in Canada, where enquiries still have to be Others 122 22 5? qualify as immigrants to Canada. There may made to ceic offices. However, this system also be cases in which a person who might TOTAL 19962 29266 22105 can be accessed from Canada through iNET qualify as an independent (a spouse or 2000. Subscriptions cost $3.30 per month,

unmarried child) would still prefer to apply with a feature charge of between $ 1 2.35 and 'Statistics from the Commission for Canada. Hong through the family class because of the pro- $16.50 an hour. Information on subscrip- Kong. cessing priority given to this class. tions to CAN-IMMIGRATION-NET Can be obtained from inet Customer Assistance Centre, 1-800-267-8480.

6 UPDATE in Class Changes Family Hong Kong Immigrants in Canada: Highlights Dependency

Over the past few years, there has been One of the most systematic studies yet bottom and top ends of the income scale a considerable increase in the proportion of conducted on Hong Kong immigrants has people had earned more in Hong Kong than immigrants from Hong Kong who migrate recently appeared. This study was published they did in Canada, but in the middle in the family class. A recent change in the in 1991 on the basis of data drawn from a income brackets ($15,200 to $59,999) peo- definition of dependency, which came into twelve page questionnaire, completed by ple earned more in Canada than they had in force on March 27, may have some impli- 5 1 2 immigrants from Hong Kong who Hong Kong. Twenty per cent of the respon- cations for emigration from Hong Kong. entered Canada after 1980. It was conduct- dents were earning $ 1 5,000 to $22,000, The former definition saw dependency of ed by the Alberta Career Development, the 25% $22,000 to $37,000. and 15% $38,000 children on their parents in terms of marital Hong Kong Institute of Personnel to $60,000. status, something w hich stopped once a Management and the Canadian Fifty-three per cent of the respondents child married. Parents could sponsor an Employment and Immigration Commission. were definitely planning to stay in Canada unmarried child of any age but could not The report found that the great majority of permanently; 31% were undecided, while sponsor a married child. Parents could immigrants were pleased with their decision only 16% definitely wanted to go back to sponsor a middle-aged bachelor but not an to move to Canada; 56% felt that it had Hong Kong. That 16% was made up largely eighteen-year-old widowed daughter. been a good decision, 24% an excellent one. of younger people who have experienced

This definition has been replaced by one Only 1 % felt that they had made a dreadful some difficulty in adjusting to Canada. which reflects economic dependency on mistake. The respondents were in They were attracted to Hong Kong particu- parents. Children who are in full-time study Vancouver. Edmonton and Toronto, most of larly by the promise of higher salaries. In and have been continuously supported by them between 30 and 39. One third had a terms of attributes, respondents rated their parents since they were nineteen can university degree; almost 60% had complet- Canada higher for housing, education, qualify for sponsorship, while children who ed their education in Hong Kong, and 22% neighbours, and crime control, while Hong are no longer studying become ineligible in Canada. Most could function in English, Kong scored highest for shopping and for direct sponsorship once they are nine- very few in French. social life. teen. Children with a disability, who are Work experience in Canada was mixed. unable to work, can be sponsored at any The majority found their first job within For further information contact: age. The new regulations will be a disap- three months of arriving in Canada but had Dr. William Wong pointment for unmarried, working children to take a drop in income and status. While Alberta Career Development and over nineteen, who become ineligible for 23% reported no change in income. 46% Employment Policy and Research sponsorship as dependents. They can still recorded a drop and 3 1 % a rise. A lowering Division get some help from their families in apply- of occupational status was experienced by 8th Floor, City Centre, 10155-102 Street ing as assisted relatives, but this process 62%. while 25% saw no change, and 13% Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L5 takes much longer than an application as a felt that their status had risen. The pattern of Tel: 403-427-4746 dependent in the family class. Assisted rel- change in income was quite marked. At the Fax: 403-422-0897 ative applications are processed as a very low priority, while family class has top pri- ority. The minimum processing time for a family class application is now about eigh- teen months, while an assisted relative Lotto 6/49 in Hong Kong: Stage Two application takes about forty months.

The regulations will encourage young In the last Update it was reported that it the purpose of investigation. The Consumer people over nineteen, who are in full time was now possible to play Lotto 6/49 direct- Council of Hong Kong issued a statement in study but already married, to come to ly from Hong Kong. It was also mentioned early April to the effect that Wellco was nei-

Canada, since now they will not have to that it was not clear if the promotion and ther authorized nor licensed to sell Lotto make personal applications for admission marketing of the lottery tickets was legal 6/49 tickets in Hong Kong. The statement but can be sponsored by their parents. under Canadian law. also inferred that the hk$20 ticket price was Subsequently, Wellco, the company much higher than the price charged for tick-

w hich promotes the sale of the lottery tick- ets in Canada. Wellco has removed the ets in Hong Kong, has come under police phrase 'operated and controlled by the

investigation. The company has admitted Canadian Government' from its promotion-

that officers of the Commercial Crime al literature, but continues to sell tickets in

Bureau have collected some of its files for Hong Kong.

UPDATE 7 Success for New Canadian International School

by Harriet Clompus Hong Kong

The new Canadian International School cial sector attached to provision of high-qual- Although the school gives preference to

(CIS) in Hong Kong opened its doors to over ity Canadian education within the territory as Canadian students, it is open to all nationali-

80 students last fall. It was officially opened a means of attracting more Hong Kong emi- ties. Presently there are pupils from six dif- on 15 November 1991 by the Hon. Otto gres back." Meetings between the Education ferent countries according to its principal, Ian

Jelinek, Canada's Minister of National and Manpower Department and the Canadian Robertson, making it "truly international." Revenue, and Mr. James So, Secretary for and American Chambers of Commerce The school has been advertised in both

Recreation and Culture in Hong Kong. Also resulted in the decision to set up a new English and Chinese local newspapers, as attending the opening ceremony was the Canadian International School, initially cater- well as in Canadian editions of Hong Kong

Commissioner for Canada in Hong Kong, ing to primary level students. It was deter- Chinese newspapers, like Sing Tao. Starting

John Higginbotham. The school has been an mined that other schools in Hong Kong with in April, it has also been promoted in the new impressive success this year, and over 200 an accredited Canadian curriculum were weekly Canadian edition of the South China children are expected to enrol next directed primarily at preparation of students Morning Post. However, Mr. Robertson indi- September. Projected enrolments are for 900 for migration to Canada rather than for cated, "The greatest response has been students by 1995 (see South China Morning returning emigres. Not only would such a through word of mouth recommendation."

Post, 1 July 1992, Canada Supplement, p. 10). new school be attractive to returning Principal Ian Robertson, who was hired

The School was established in response to Chinese-Canadians but would also be an from Canada in April 1991, has taught in the Hong Kong government's predicted short important factor in their decision to return to the Canadian public school system, as well fall in places for students requiring a North Hong Kong. as in an oil company-sponsored school in American-type curriculum and a demand by In December 1990, the Canadian Libya and the Kuwait English school. He

Hong Kong-bom Canadians for an education International School Foundation (CISF) was explained that the mandate of the cis is "to using Cantonese, as well as French and established as a non-profit organization for educate the whole child - academically, English, as the medium of instruction. A fund raising and planning for the new school. socially and emotionally - to prepare him need was recognized for a school that would Represented on the original board were or her to participate fully in a rapidly- allow children to come from Canada with members of the Canadian Club, the Canadian changing global society." few adjustment problems and enable students Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese returning from Hong Kong to integrate Canadian Association, while Commissioner smoothly back into the Canadian education John Higginbotham served as an ex-officio system. founding member. Seven of the twelve founding members were from the Board of the Chinese Canadian Association (CCA), whose aim, according to former Chairman

Felix Fong, was "looking after the interests and welfare of Chinese Canadians in Hong Kong."

The cca has taken a leading role in fund raising activities for the new school. The

speed with which the CIS Foundation worked Canadian International School to set up the new international school within Principal Ian Robertson & Brenda Heward the territory was impressive, particularly with teacher and students since it did not receive any financial assis-

Canadian International School students in tance from the Hong Kong or Canadian gov- The school is essentially trilingual and the playground ernments. Fund raising events included a offers a curriculum based on a combination "Gala Premier" showing of Teenage Mutant of courses from Ontario and British

In 1990 a recommendation from the Ninja Turtles: the Ooze in July 1991, which Columbia. It is distinguished from other Hong Kong Government's International earned hk $1,000,000. Canadian curriculum schools in Hong Kong

Business Committee initiated discussion The as opened last September with by its strict English language entry require- between the North American Chambers of almost 100 students in kindergarten to grade ments which disqualify many local prospec-

Commerce and the government on how a five. Sixty per cent of these are Hong Kong- tive applicants. It differs also in its extensive projected shortfall of places should be met. born Canadians, almost twenty per cent com- Cantonese program with instruction starting

According to Vincent Lee, the 1990 ing directly from Canada. Next September, it in preparatory class. Compulsory French is

Canadian Chamber President, these discus- is expected that sixty per cent will come introduced in Grade 4. sions indicated "the importance the commer- directly from overseas, mostly from Canada.

8 UPDATE Tuition is relatively affordable at Other Canadian School Options in HK hk$25,000 (about cdn$3,850), plus an indi- vidual debenture fee of hk$ 1 5,000 or a by Harriet Clompus hk$75,O0O transferable corporate debenture. Hong Kong, A scholarship fund for pupils in financial need has been set up with a donation of hk$400,000 from the proceeds of Festival When the Canadian International School

Canada '91, held in Hong Kong last June. (CIS) opened last fall, the local media hailed it An indication of the as Foundation's con- as the first Canadian school in the territory. fidence in the institution's continued viability This report drew a swift rebuttal from the after 1997 is its plans to increase the school principals of three existing accredited by a grade each year with grade 6 classes Canadian curriculum schools. In a letter to the starting this September and K-12 by 1997. South China Morning Post, they pointed out

Accreditation, which is not required for the "that there are many other schools providing primary curriculum, will be sought when the Canadian programs in Hong Kong." secondary grades start, and Mr. Robertson The longest established of these is the indicated that the school will probably align Canadian Overseas Secondary School found- with the Ontario system. ed in 1983, which provides Ontario programs

At present the school is located in the for- from grade 9 to 12, allowing students to mer premises of the Chinese International acquire Ontario Academic Credits (oac).

School in So Kon Po. However, the Principal Alvin Gilles explained that the

Foundation has plans in progress to build its school is a profit-making institution managed own facility within the next five years, and by a local company but owned by South East negotiations are already under way for a site Asia Preparations Ltd. of Toronto. School within the area. The Hong Kong government fees of hk$38,0O0 (about cdn$5850) in 1991 has indicated a land grant will be available, make this the most expensive Canadian cur- but much of the cost of the expansion must be riculum school in Hong Kong. met by the Foundation. This spring there were 550 pupils of

According to Brenda Heward, Director of whom 90% were Hong Kong Chinese and

Development of the cisf, "two to three major 10% other nationalities, including, Mr. Gilles fund raising events will be organized each said, "a smattering of returned Hong Kong year." The first of these events will be an invi- Chinese." Given the student composition and tation performance by the National Ballet of the provision of remedial English programs, it

Canada at the Hong Kong Arts and Cultural is clear that the school is geared primarily Centre. The cost of the evening will be towards local students who hope to enter ter- hk$ 1 ,000 (appoximately cdn$ 1 50) per per- tiary education overseas. son, with all proceeds going to the school. The Board of Governors, which has drawn new members from the wider Canadian com- munity in Hong Kong, is now divided into five working groups, one of which focuses on fund raising. The school is also supported by a very active Parents Association, with several parents helping at the school on a regular basis or for special events. Such help includes designing and manufacturing the school uniform. Mrs. Denise Chu, a Hong Kong-bom

Canadian who lived in Toronto for ten years before returning to the territory, has two chil- dren in the school and helps out there once a week. She is very committed to the as, and undoubtedly spoke for many other parents

when she explained. "We feel very lucky to have this school. Now we don't have to rush

back to Canada." Her words indicate that the

Foundation is succeeding in its aim to provide a quality education with a Canadian curricu-

lum in Hong Kong. Schools, cont'd from page 9 Concern Over Rights to Privacy in Hong Kong

John Grace, the Information their research. The judgment was based, in This past year, the Seaker Chan Commissioner for Canada, visited Hong part, on documents of Dr. Lam's work International School had 1 70 pupils of whom Kong in February. His work involves ensur- obtained from Canada through the Freedom 90% were ethnic Chinese. Eighty per cent of ing the right of individuals to get certain of Information Act. these were local Chinese while 20% were forms of information, and is closely linked to Concern over the need for privacy in returned Hong Kong Canadians. Tuition fees the separate function of ensuring the right of Hong Kong is growing. Part of the concern are hk23,000 (cdn$3500) for grades 7 and individuals to the protection of their privacy. stems from the great amount of information below, and hk$29.000 (cdn$4500) for grades Canada has pioneered legislation in both about individuals stored in computer data 8 and above. There is no English language these fields, in the federal and the provincial bases and the misuses to which this informa- entry requirement. areas of jurisdiction. tion can be put by people who have access to After completion of the new school facili- Freedom of information legislation allows it. Another part of the concern is political. As ty, which Mr. Richardson judged would be "a people to obtain information from govern- 1 997 approaches, there is a fear that the prc showcase establishment," a vigorous market- ment and other public sources which is of practice of keeping dossiers on all individuals ing plan for SOS will be initiated. There is no direct significance to them. Hong Kong has may be extended to Hong Kong. The dossier, indication that returned and returning Hong no Freedom of Information Act. and the gov- which starts when a child enters junior middle Kong Canadians will be specifically targeted. ernment has no plans to introduce one. Mr. school, goes with a person for the rest of

Grace's visit came, ironically, just before an his/her life. However, the individual has no

important legal judgment in Hong Kong, in access to his dossier, and there can be no cor- which the Canadian Freedom of Information rection of erroneous or prejudicial informa-

Act was used to provide evidence for the tion, prc authorities have already made it prosecution. Drs. Linda Koo and John Ho, known that they keep dossiers on Hong Kong

cancer researchers at the University of Hong political activists and on anyone who is con-

Kong, won their case against Dr. Lam Tai- sidered less than sympathetic to the prc. hing, who was found guilty of plagiarising

Beijing Update

by Jane Greaves Beijing

Mainland press coverage of events con- affairs and the ensuing inaugural ceremony sult with or inform the UK prior to such uni-

cerning Hong Kong in the first three months and speeches were thoroughly and enthusi- lateral actions. of 1992 was largely issue-oriented, but two astically covered. The People's Daily The decision to "step up the publicity

government messages emerged: 1 ) Beijing reported that the advisors were appointed at and promotion of the mini-constitution of

is making every effort to maintain produc- the behest of many Hong Kong residents the Hong Kong Special Administrative

tivity and stability in Hong Kong which is who felt that the existing channels of com- Region" was well covered by the Mainland

in the best interests of both the Mainland munication were not sufficient. The advi- press. The campaign resulted in many arti-

and Hong Kong: and 2) individuals and sors are "unpaid, without organizational set- cles urging people (Mainland and especially business should begin now to tailor their ups or offices" and will "in no way affect Hong Kong residents) to study the Basic actions to comply with the Basic Law in the administrative management powers of Law to ensure Hong Kong's prosperity and preparation for 1997, after which date only the British or Hong Kong governments dur- stability in the second half of the transition-

those in compliance will be guaranteed the ing the transition, nor will they create a so- al period and beyond. Teaching materials Basic Law's rights and privileges for Hong called second power centre." One of the key for "such historical documents concerning Kong residents. contributions of the advisors will be mainte- Hong Kong's political future as the Sino- In addition to the usual assortment of nance of a stable and prosperous Hong British joint declaration on the question of encouraging statistics and investment Kong. Hong Kong and the Basic Law" have been announcements concerning Hong Kong, the However, the effect on Hong Kong's sta- prepared for Hong Kong middle school stu-

English language China Daily and the bility of appointing such a group without dents. Much of the coverage of and propa- Chinese language People's Daily published consulting the United Kingdom was not dis- ganda for the Basic Law uses a carrot-and-

articles on several important issues affecting cussed in the Mainland press. In contrast. stick approach: if individuals respect and act Hong Kong. The announcement in January Hong Kong's South China Morning Post in accordance with the Basic Law, they will

that Beijing was planning to appoint a group published British Foreign Secretary be entitled to its rights and privileges. of prominent Hong Kong residents to serve Douglas Hurd's suggestion that Hong Kong

as advisors to Beijing on the territory's might "get the jitters" if China did not con-

10 UPDATE The 22nd session of the Sino-British Hong Kong, Canada and Joint Liaison Group (JLG) in Hong Kong, from March 24 to 26, received minimal Foreign Investment Protection press. The only article listed the issues cov- ered and reported a fruitful exchange of Foreign investment is becoming an arising from changes in policy, natural dis- opinions, but did not discuss areas of con- increasingly important factor in world trade asters, or other developments. Such com- tention between the two sides. This single, flows and. thus, in Canada's commercial pensation is determined on the basis of brief report is in keeping with recent cover- and financial relations with other countries. Favoured Nation status with respect to pro- age of Sino-British negotiations over Hong Because of this fact and because foreign tection of investment, so that terms are no Kong. Qian Qichen's March visit to investment can be seen as an indicator of less favourable than those provided to each London, during which he handed over confidence in an economy, foreign invest- country's own investors. Of course, the China's articles of accession of the Nuclear ment protection has become a more signifi- details vary with each foreign investment Non-Proliferation Treaty, was fully cov- cant issue in Canada's relations with Hong protection agreement. ered, but his talk with John Major over Kong, to the point that discussions have Given the nature of these agreements,

Hong Kong was dealt with in a few lines. taken place on a foreign investment protec- they represent a mutual vote of confidence

The American bill setting out us policy tion agreement. in the economy and stability of the signato- on Hong Kong received a sharp, terse, and There are many advantages to establish- ries. This is particularly important for Hong unsurprising response: China firmly ing agreements on foreign investment pro- Kong. Foreign investment agreements, par- opposed any attempt at "internationalizing" tection between countries with significant ticularly with major investor countries, rep- the Hong Kong issue. A Chinese Foreign economic ties. While the details vary with resent a vote of confidence in the territory's

Ministry spokesman's comment that "the each accord, foreign investment protection future after it becomes a Special

Hong Kong question is a matter between agreements provide a legal framework for Administrative Region of China in 1997. China and the United Kingdom before July protection of investment and, in case of Such agreements indicate other countries

1 , 1997, and an internal affair of China after expropriation or other developments, pro- have faith that Hong Kong's role as a finan- that date." appeared in both Chinese and vide for international arbitration to settle cial centre will continue, that it will pre- English papers. disputes arising from such actions. Foreign serve a capitalist, market-based economic

Reporting on the recent session of the investment protection agreements can also climate which has been its source of wealth, National People's Congress made only brief establish compensation in the case of losses and that political changes will not adversely mention of Hong Kong: a six line report on affect its investment climate. As trade and a small group discussion of Hong Kong and investment become increasingly linked, Macao ("Delegates from Hong Kong and such agreements also reflect confidence in Macao can be very Useful"); and an article Hong Kong as a major Asian trading part- that the proceedings of the npc were being ner in itself and as a entrepot for trade with reported in a timely fashion in the Hong China. Kong press. Evidently, the Hong Kong As significant trading partners. Canada issue is resolved in the eyes of the Beijing and Hong Kong are both interested in for- leadership and merits no further discussion eign investment protection and are now in by the ncp. the midst of negotiating such an agreement. The one important issue that was not Initial consultations have taken place, and mentioned at all in the Mainland press was both sides are reviewing draft agreements in the Hong Kong budget and the negotiations preparation for further discussions. When in the territory's Legislative Council to get an agreement is reached, it will not only it passed. Lu Ping. Director of the State demonstrate Canada's interest in continued Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs promotion of investment from Hong Kong,

Office, criticized the budget as he felt it as well as Hong Kong's confidence in the deviated from the financial principles of the Canadian economy, but also it will be seen Basic Law—keeping government expendi- as an indication that Canada has confidence tures within the limits of revenue rather in the economic and political stability of than increasing revenue to meet expendi- Hong Kong after 1997. Thus, such an tures, as Financial Secretary Hamish agreement is by extension a vote of confi-

Macleod's budget proposes. However, Lu This is a view of Hong Kong's infamous dence that the People's Republic of China

Ping's comments went unreported in China. Walled City which is now being torn will live up to its commitment to retain down. For a recent report on the demoli- Hong Kong's present economic environ- tion of this historic area (la Cite des ment in order to preserve its role as a major Ombres), see the article, "Requiem pour financial and trading centre in Asia, as well

une cite maudite," by Luc Chartrand in as a motor for the growth and moderniza- Actualites (vol. 17, 15 Juin 1992: 11-12). tion of the prc's own economy.

UPDATE 11 Approach to Premier Bob Rae's Municipality Takes Proactive Development Visit to Hong Kong Economic

In the course of this The following is a statement by nesses in Scarborough. Premier Rae visited Japan and Hong opportunity to visit and Mayor Joyce Trimmer written for the trip, I also had the Kong in May to strengthen the existing Canada and Hong Kong Update, meet with government and business offi- ties between Ontario and Asia. In Hong Tianjin, Shanghai, Wuxi, after her return from a month's trip to cials in Beijing, Kong he met the governor. Lord Wilson, Japan. Asia this spring. In order to promote Taipei, and Sagamihara. K.S. Li (Li Ka Shing), ES. industrialists with business interests for the City of Upon arriving in Hong Kong. I met Cheng and James Ting, and members of Scarborough, the Mayor visited sev- members of the hk government, and during the Canadian business community. He I the opportunity to eral cities in China, Hong Kong, our discussions had also met James So, Secretary for Taiwan and Japan between March expand on Scarborough's participation in Recreation and Culture, who is responsi- Festival Hong Kong 92. Our 20 and April 16. Her trip included a the upcoming ble for Festival Hong Kong in Canada. major event Sept. 29, the week in Hong Kong from March 29 city will host a Addressing the Ontario Legislature after Lantern Festival, based on tra- to April 5. Scarborough his return he said: ditional lantern festivals in Hong Kong. As Mayor of Scarborough, one of This visit reinforced my beliefthat Following the meetings with government Canada's largest cities, I believe it is very Ontario must strengthen its links to dignitaries, I met many business representa- important to play a dynamic role in encour- these important economic partners. tives, all of whom welcomed me warmly aging business opportunities from Hong It may sound like a cliche, but the and showed great interest in Scarborough. I Kong. The role of municipal government in energy and vibrancy of the people held many fruitful meetings with the many areas, including economic develop- and the economies hit you as soon Chinese Manufacturers Association, the With the increas- ment, is a proactive one. Council, as you step off the plane at Hong Hong Kong Trade Development ing pressure on municipalities to undertake Kong's Kaitak airport, or the several high profile developers and major greater responsibilities, and with that a moment you reach Tokyo. We share Hong Kong investors in Canada, and mem- greater financial burden, it is important to a rich history; thanks to decisions bers of both the Canadian and Ontario target and effectively attract new business made by hundreds ofthousands of Government trade offices. I also conducted investment to stimulate economic develop- individuals, Asia and the Pacific several well-attended business seminars, ment. have become a pan ofOntario's facilitated by the Ministry of Industry, In an effort to pursue economic develop- heritage. People from all parts of Trade and Technology and Scarborough's ment goals, as well as to better understand Asia have chosen to make Ontario Economic Development Department and Scarborough's growing Hong Kong popula- their home; and although they have opened a Hong Kong branch of a tion (the city has one of the largest Hong become Canadians, they have not Scarborough real estate company. Kong populations in Canada). I undertook a abandoned their languages, cultural Results of Scarborough's business trip to business trip to the territory last April. This roots or contacts. By phone, fax. jet Hong Kong include numerous commercial was my second visit to Hong Kong, and in and video cassette, Ontario is now inquiries, visits by two business delegations, many ways was an opportunity to follow up profoundly linked with Asia. an enhanced relationship with residents with the many business contacts made pre- originally from Hong Kong, and the estab- Premier Rae also stressed the impor- viously. The rationale for selecting Hong lishment of Scarborough as a viable loca- tance for Ontario of thinking internation- Kong as a target for business interests rests tion for investment from Hong Kong. ally, for training young people in Asian on its "fit" with Scarborough. Given the In the local business arena, I am working languages and then making good use of population ties and other similarities, to further the interests of our business com- them in business. He concluded: Scarborough is well positioned as a destina- munity by keeping it informed of the oppor- tion for Hong Kong business investment. We must move from simply being tunities in Hong Kong, via seminars and My major task was to communicate the exporters to promoting a truly inter- personal meetings. Municipalities must help benefits of establishing a business in national perspective. Our education, their local commercial establishments sur- Scarborough and to promote our diverse training, our investment and indus- vive the current economic situation, by business community. Since our existing trial strategies, our communications thinking and acting "globally." Hong Kong commercial community is of vital impor- systems and language programmes, and Scarborough have much to gain from tance, my trip was also a chance to articu- our marketing skills, all can foster each other in our increasingly complex late its needs in order to foster possible joint this perspective. This is something world economy. ventures and export opportunities. well known in Japan and Hong A full week was spent in Hong Kong Kong, and in many other countries. meeting with government officials, business Our businesses and our young peo- associations and entrepreneurs. In the devel- ple must begin to see themselves and opment of my itinerary, I was quite pleased theirfuture in this light. This is by the level of interest shown by many busi- Ontario's challenge.

12 UPDATE New Brunswick Premier Understanding Consumers Moving Visits Hong Kong between Cultures

Frank McKenna, the premier of New Professors David K. Tse {University of family houses, they bought fewer air-condi- Brunswick, visited Hong Kong from March British Columbia, Faculty of Commerce tioners and condominiums compared with 7 to 11. The purpose of his visil was to pro- and Business Administration) and Wei-Na Hong Kong residents and Anglo-Canadians. Lee (University of mote the potential for investment and for Texas. Austin, Dept. of New immigrants shopped more frequently in Advertising) business opportunities in New Brunswick. have recently conducted a supermarkets, but they complemented their of Travelling with the premier was a group of study consumer habits of Hong Kong grocery shopping in Chinatown and Chinese New Brunswick business people. The pre- immigrants In Canada. Their research stores. They did not like to buy pre-owned mier visited the site of the new airport at project focused on how Hong Kong immi- products, such as from flea markets and Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island and went grants have changed the products they garage sales. For professional services, they to the Delia School in Takko Shing. a own. whether they have altered their went to Chinese physicians and Chinese shopping school which uses the New Brunswick cur- behaviour, and how they partici- accountants. They accepted value free activi- in riculum. pate Chinese and/or Canadian cultural ties readily and tried to maintain Chinese cul- In a speech to the Canadian Chamber of activities. The following is a summary by tural activities. At the same time, they also David Commerce in Hong Kong, Premier Tse of the objectives and major find- celebrated Canada Day and participated in ings McKenna stressed that New Brunswick is of their research. community centre events. With regard to mar- anxious to attract investment from abroad. riage, the newer immigrants did not readily Objectives: The province has the advantage of a loca- accept non-Chinese spouses for their children. When Hong Kong consumers move to tion close to the usa. for trade opportunities Former Hong Kong immigrants, who had Canada, will they purchase the same set of under the Free Trade Agreement, and an stayed more than seven years in Canada, products that they used to own? Will they export-oriented economy. Two-thirds of all earned a comparable Anglo-Canadian family retain the same shopping habits and buy from production is exported. New Brunswick has income. As a result they classified products similar outlets with the same frequency? Will the fastest growing economy in Atlantic differently and owned more household appli- they practice Chinese and/or Canadian cultur- Canada, based on its abundance of natural ances (private cars, microwaves, single family al activities? These are some of the questions resources. Future development will be homes) and more recreational products examined in the Lee and Tse study on how helped by a strong bilingual education sys- (VCRs, BBQs, and multiple TVs) than Hong Kong immigrants changed their tem and a skilled work force. It has a base Anglo-Canadians. Their shopping behaviour behaviour when they came to Canada. of productive old industries, in natural was closer to Anglo-Canadians, representing Answers to these questions have both man- resources and foodstuffs, and some success- a 'melting pot' phenomenon, though they agerial and public policy implications. For ful new industries. complemented their grocery purchases at example, should companies adopt similar The premier foresaw possible partner- Chinese stores and at Chinatown businesses. marketing strategies to these immigrants? If ships with Hong Kong in forest products. Like recent immigrants, they shopped less they change at all. in what areas would Hong There has been some Hong Kong invest- often at flea markets and garage sales. With Kong immigrants become like Anglo- ment in the province already, for example better ability in spoken English, they went less Canadians, or do they always remain as Atlantic Canada Textiles and whk Woven often to Chinese physicians or accountants Chinese from Hong Kong. Labels. More will be welcomed. There are compared to recent immigrants. In terms of

200 students from Hong Kong at the culturally relevant activities, they seemed to Design: University of New Brunswick, whose be more bi-cultural. maintaining their Chinese The study surveyed four groups of con- largest alumni association outside New traditions (celebrating Chinese New Year) sumers (total of 938), including Anglo- Brunswick, with one hundred members, is along with Canadian traditions (Canada Day). Canadians, recent Hong Kong immigrants, in Hona Kona. However, they were more willing to accept former Hong Kong immigrants (who immi- interracial marriage for their children. grated before 1984), and Hong Kong resi- Correction In general, it was found that the immi- In the last Update Issue we erroneously dents. They were questioned on their product grants reconceptualized the products they reported in the article on Pre-migration ownership, retail shopping behaviour, and a own, changed their retail Programs in Hong Kong that the Meet shoppping behavior, set of value-related activities. with Success programme had received and selectively adapted some value related financial support from the Canadian gov- activities. The findings suggest that environ- ernment, provincial government offices in Major Findings: mental influences and cultural relevancy are Hong Kong, and other local associations It was found that the immigrants reclassi- such as the Canadian Chamber of important to the immigrants' adaptation to the fied the products they own. As expected, Commerce. According to Larry Mills, norms of their new home. President of Meet with Success, the pro- recent Hong Kong migrants had lower family For further information about this study, gramme is funded only through private income than their Canadian counterparts. The please write to Prof. David K. sources which include "donations provided Tse, Faculty former assumed conservative financial plans. by the participants of these weekly semi- of Commerce and Business Though they bought a comparable percentage nars and from other private donations." Administration, ubc, Vancouver, B.C., We regret the error. of private cars, microwave ovens, and single Canada V6T 1Z2 or phone (604) 822-8364.

UPDATE 13 Tiananmen Memorial

On May 3 1 , a memorial meeting was The Chinese Consulate General in held at Toronto City Hall to commemorate Toronto protested to the university presi- the third anniversary of the Peking dents about both memorials, claiming that Massacre. The meeting was addressed by they were being mounted by "a small num- the Nobel Laureate, Professor John Polanyi. ber of hostile elements" whose aim was to Messages of support were read from Jean "hurt the feelings of the Chinese people" Chretien, leader of the Liberal Party, and and undermine Sino-Canadian friendship. Audrey McLachlan, leader of the New Democratic Party. After the meeting, about one thousand people marched to the University of Toronto for the dedication of a bronze memorial to the students and citizens of China who died on 4 June 1989. (The plaque beneath the bronze was stolen on the night of June 3.) The memorial was unveiled by Gordon Cressy, Vice President, University of Toronto, Dick Chan, Chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, and Farrah Jinha, President of the Goddess of Democracy University of Toronto Students' Student Centre, York University Administrative Council. Peter Guo. imme- diate past president of the Students' rive work by the Toronto Design for Administrative Council, and Zhang Democracy Group, consisting of young Xiangmin, Vice-President of the Federation Canadian Chinese artists, students and of Chinese Students and Scholars in designers. The statue has been loaned for Canada, also spoke. three years to York University where it was A statue of the Goddess of Democracy erected on June 4 in the lobby of the new was also presented at the ceremony at City student centre. There are plans for the fourth Hall. A truck carrying the statue led the Dick Chan, Farrah Jinha and John Polanyi anniversary memorial next year to gold leaf rally to U. of T. for the dedication and then at the unveiling of a Bronze Memorial at both the bronze wall sculpture at U. of T. to the Chinese consulate where the statue the University of Toronto and the Goddess of Democracy statue at was assembled. The 25 foot replica, made York. of wire mesh, wood and canvas, is a collec-

Project Workshop on China-HK Relations

by Bob Perrins Toronto

The Canada and Hong Kong Project Hong Kong, by Carol Lee Hamrin, East table discussion (chaired by B. Michael recently sponsored a workshop on China in Asia Division, U.S. Department of State and Frolic) on policy implications for both Transition: Implications for Hong Kong. Adjunct Prof, of Chinese History, School of Canada and the U.S. Among the more than Sessions were held at York University and Advanced International Studies. Johns thirty participants were representatives from the University of Toronto on 11-12 June Hopkins University; 3) Changing Patterns Canadian and American government, busi- 1992. Convened by Prof. Victor Falkenheim of Regional Administration in China: ness and private agencies, members of the (U of T), the workshop focused on political Implication for Hong Kong, by Victor Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and economic changes in China and their Falkenheim, Department of Political reporters from The Financial Post and Sing impact on Hong Kong. It also examined us Science, University of Toronto; and 4) Tao Newspapers, and a number of aca- and Canadian government policies towards Hong Kong and the Rise of 'Greater demics and graduate students.

1 Hong Kong. China : Policy Issues, by David M. Diana Lary, director of the Canada and

Four papers were presented: 1 ) The New Lampton, President, National Committee on Hong Kong Project, opened the workshop China News Agency, by John Burns, US-China Relations. The meetings conclud- with brief remarks on the importance to Department of Political Science, University ed with remarks by Donald Waterfall (North Hong Kong of the ongoing changes and of Hong Kong; 2) Current Political Asia Relations, External Affairs and uncertainties within the People's Republic Developments in China: Implications for International Trade Canada) and a round- of China (prc). As 1997 approaches. Prof.

14 UPDATE flexibility in Lary believes, it is imperative to monitor ing policy related to Hong Kong. The high- ed with increasing the reform and understand the domestic economic and est level of these organs is the Politburo's period. After 1997 Hong Kong might serve political transformations within the prc and Standing Committee, the leadership core, as an arena within which China could gain to analyze their impact on the people of which is responsible for drafting the general experience in managing a more pluralistic Hong Kong. guidelines regarding China's vision of Hong system - experience potentially transferable The papers focused on the interaction Kong's future. The next level, or executive to its 'domestic' centre-region relations. between the prc and Hong Kong. John core, is the Hong Kong and Macao Working David Lampton's paper focused on Hong Bums's paper presented a fascinating and Committee which is responsible for policy Kong in relation to the emergence of a detailed study of the workings of the prc's coordination. Below this Committee is the regional, integrated economy linking Hong operational organ in Hong Kong - the New Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Kong, the Mainland and Taiwan, termed by China News Agency (ncna). Stating that State Council, the administrative core which some observers 'Greater China.' His com- the PRC's overall goal is the smooth transfer formulates concrete policies and oversees ments presented a more optimistic view of of authority in Hong Kong as laid out in the general administrative functions. The lowest Hong Kong's future and the modernizing Basic Law, Bums outlined the ncna's level discussed by Prof. Hamrin is the New influence of both Hong Kong and Taiwan efforts to promote China's interests in the China News Agency and its Working on China. He also addressed the importance territory and strengthen Beijing's hand prior Committee, both of which are involved in of the growth of 'Greater China' for the to 1997. Activities of the ncna include pro- policy implementation and intelligence development of us policy. Finally, he paganda work, maintenance of close rela- research. It is the ncna's Working Commit- stressed the importance of the private, rather tions with the leftist press, involvement in tee which may form the core of the control than governmental, sector in maintaining

United Front work, the attempt to coordi- system over Hong Kong affairs after 1997. confidence in Hong Kong and making it a nate and control other leftist organizations Victor Falkenheim's paper reviewed the "more important place to China." Lampton including trade unions, and the effort to fos- growth of regional/provincial powers within concluded that Hong Kong's economic ter the development of a pro-Beijing politi- China, the decentralization of control in the strength, coupled with the present world- cal force within Hong Kong. Bums con- 1980s, regional experiments like Special wide trend towards regional integration, cluded that the future of the territory will Economic Zones, and their implications for means that Beijing is unlikely to strangle largely depend on the outcome of a struggle the Hong Kong Special Administrative the goose from which it hopes to procure between the ncna and Hong Kong's articu- Region (sar). Prof. Falkenheim proposed many golden eggs.

late and rising middle class. that perhaps the best way to view Hong Publication of these papers by the

Carol Hamrin discussed the workings of Kong's future within the prc is to under- Project is expected in early 1993. the various political organs within the PRC stand it in relation to the diverse and decen-

that are involved in drafting and implement- tralized regional structures that have operat-

Canada-Hong Kong Database

by Bob Perrins Toronto

The Canada and Hong Kong Project has Several research assistants in Hong Some of the media regularly monitored been involved in compiling a bibliographic Kong, Beijing, Vancouver, Ottawa and for the database include the Toronto and database for the past two years. This Toronto monitor the print media in both Vancouver editions of Sing Tao News- database contains information not only on Chinese and English and send monthly papers, the Vancouver Sun. Toronto Star. recent monographs published about Hong reports to the Project. The relevant biblio- Globe and Mail. New York Times. Asiaweek.

Kong but. more importantly, on newspaper graphic information is input into the Far Eastern Economic Review. South China clippings and magazine articles which deal database, and copies of many of the original Morning Post. Hong Kong Standard, the with Hong Kong and the territory's relations sources are maintained on file. Researchers London Times, and the Beijing editions of with Canada. Some of the more common interested in specific aspects of Hong People's Daily and China Daily. categories of material are immigration, set- Kong's relations with Canada may request tlement, investment, business, and political from the Project a bibliographic printout, developments within Hong Kong and the including abstracts. Where sources are more prc - the most prominent being the Port and difficult to obtain and copies exist on file, Airport Development Strategy (pads). they are available upon request for a small xeroxing and mailing fee.

UPDATE 15 New Project Publications

The Project announces the publication of the first monograph in our new Can

Hong Kong Papers: Politics and Society in Hong Kong towards 1997, ejjj ed by Charles

Burton. This book is a collection of the papers from our first Projec^ workshop, held 5

January 1991. Articles include "Under China's Shadow: Re TOblitik of Hong Kong Labour

to 1997 and Unionism Toward 1997" by Ming K. Chan; "Education i long Kong Up

Luk; "Crises and nsformation: the Implications of 1997 Beyond" by Bernard Hungkay Jj|

for Christian Organizations in Hong Kong" Thomas In-sing Leung; and "Uncertain

Refuge: Freedom of the Press Under te Hong Kong Bill of Rights" by Perry Keller. The

cost of this publication is con$1 '(plus additional charge for overseas airmail). Our second

publication is the first in ?Ijr Research Papers series, The Economic Integration of Hong

Kong with China in w 1990s: The Impact on Hong Kong by Yun-Wing Sung (Chinese

University of JTong Kong). This is a paper presented at the Vancouver workshop,

Both "Chin J3nd its Hinterland," on January 17-18, 1992. Cost of the publication is cdn $7.

lese publications can be directly ordered from the Canada and Hong Kong Project.

The CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE is distributed free

Please call or write to us if you are not on our mailing list. Past issues are available 'on request. Telephone: (416) 736-5784 Fax: (416) 736-5688 Canada and Hong Kong Project JOINT CENTRE FOR ASIA PACIFIC STUDII Suite 270, York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele Street, North York, Ontario CANADA M3J 1P3 1 1

CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Number 8 FALL 1992 '

LSpadi Rm. Ill •' Governor Patten's Policy Speech to Legco Reaction to Patten's Constitutional Proposals On7 October 1992, the He unveiled thefollowing Rl. Hon. Christopher Patten pat kage ofproposals to by Bernard Luk gave his maiden policy develop Hong Kong's repre- York University address at the opening of the sentative institutions to the legislative session outlining maximum extent within the The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the his agenda for the nextfive terms of the Joint Declaration Future of Hong Kong ( 1 984) provided for a years before Hong Kong's and the Basic Law. Special Administrative Region (SAR) gov- return to Chinese sovereign- ernment after 1997 which would be "firmly ty in 1997. In this key speech Political Development: rooted" in Hong Kong, with an executive that he emphasized that his first "...the pace of democratization would be "accountable"' to an elected legisla- duty as Governor "must be in Hong Kong is - we all ture. The government would enjoy a "high - to secure stability and pn >s know - necessarily con- degree of autonomy" from Beijing in areas perity in a way that sustains strained. But it is constrained, affairs and defense. Hong Kong's freedoms and other than foreign not stopped dead in its tracks. . . standing still Since the ratification of the agreement, way oj life." is not an available option. The Governments however, the Chinese government acted con- He was confident that Hong Kong "can of the United Kingdom and China have 5' sistently to limit the growth of representative achieve an annual rate of i economic agreed in the Joint Declaration that democra- growth in real terms between now and 1997" institutions in Hong Kong, and the British cy should be carried forward with a because ofthe territoiy's "four unique ad- authorities acquiesced by accepting the idea Legislature constituted entirely by elections. vantages:" rapid economic expansion which that developments before 1997 had to "con- The Basic Law provides for a steady increase is transforming the whole ofthe region; the verge" with provisions of the Basic Law of in the number of those directly elected to the astonishing performance of southern China. the SAR. drafted by a Beijing-appointed Legislature. It does not visualise stagnation. to which Hong Kong makes a major contri- committee. What is more, and this was doubtless recog- bution and which has created valuable trade The Basic Law, promulgated in 1990 in nised by those who drafted the Basic law. the and investment opportunities: traditional the aftermath of the Tiananmen massacre, community wants a greater measure of commitment to minimal government interfer- strongly reflects the concerns for political support democracy. Whenever the community is ence and maximum for business control of the Communist leadership in expansion; and the exceptional qualties and asked, that is the answer it gives. China, and the socio-economic conservatism enterprise of Hong Kong people. Policy Speech, cont'd page 2 Reaction, cont'd page 2

IN THIS ISSUE: Change in Canada and Hong Kong 7 Crime Wa\e m Hong Kong 1 Legco Delegation Visits Canada 8 Hong Kong in the Mainland Press 12

Governor Patten's Policy Speech to Legco 1 Changing Patterns of Immigration H China-Hong Kong Legal Relations 13

Reaction to Patten's Constitutional Proposals 1 Life Style Changes of Immigrant Women 9 New Asia Pacific Centre Inaugurated in Montreal 15 Governor Patten Visits Canada 5 Visa Students' Experiences in Canada 10 Montreal Documentary on Hong Kong 15 Canada Celebrates Festival Hong Kong 92 5 Canadian Stories 1 New Project Publications 16 Universities Sian Joint Agreement 7 Dia^nii*, ofCrime Asian Gangs in Canada 1

per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND "We are read) to work actively with we should explore in parallel how to develop Functional Constituency Revisions:

Members in developing financial and man- our representative institutions to the maxi- "Third, we need to.. ..deal with some of the

agerial autonomy in organising \our own mum extent within the terms of the Joint criticisms that have been levelled at the exist-

administration and support facilities. Declaration and the Basic Law.... ing functional constituencies by giving them

"We need to develop the relationship "i want to emphasise that we have a broader electorate and. therefore, a broader

between this Council and the Gov eminent so embarked upon these discussions, begun by base nt support. ...|T|he whole system. ..will

as to ensure that public business. ..is conduct- the Foreign Secretary, in good faith and with gain inestimably in credibility of we can ed efficiently. I propose that a Govemment- a v iew to demonstrating to our Chinese col- show that every working member of the com- LegCo Committee should be established leagues the benefits which a more representa- munity has a second vote to represent his or where the Administration can discuss with tive system will bring to Hong Kong....[T]he her interests at the place of work.

members of this Council the handling of the proposals I am putting forward.. .will require "So tar as the present functional con-

Administration's legislative and financial pro- serious discussion with Peking.... What I will stituencies are concerned. I propose that all

." grammes... therefore set out. ..is the broad shape of the forms of corporate voting should be replaced

1995 Elections: "The reforms I have out- understanding which I hope we can achieve by individual voters

lined will set the stage for the changes which both within the community and w ith the "[T]hese measures would expand the fran-

are needed for the 1995 elections. I know that Chinese Government." chise in the functional constituencies con- many people regard the key issue as being the Lower Voting Age: "First, as the Council cerned by more than five times.... The sim-

number of directly -elected seats. On present has itself recommended. I wish to see the vot- plest and fairest approach for the nine new

plans, this will rise from 18 to 20 in 1995, ing age reduced from 21 to 18. Eighteen is constituencies would be to define them so

and will increase at subsequent elections with regarded in China and in Britain, and in coun- that they include the entire working popula-

the ultimate aim of achieving a Council com- tries right across the world, as a sensible vot- tion.. ..[These new constituencies would posed entirely of directly-elected Members. ing age...." include primary production, pow er and con-

For some time, it has been argued that we Single Vote, Single Seat: "Turning next struction: textiles and garments: manufactur- should seek to quicken the pace of this devel- to the voting system for geographical con- ing: import and export; wholesale and retail; opment, and the British Government has stituencies. I believe this should aim to be hotels and catering; transport and communi- pledged to pursue this w ith the Chinese clear and equitable and to command the con- cation; financing, insurance, real estate and

Government.... The Chinese position is that fidence of voters. The 1991 system of double business services; and community, social and such a move would be incompatible w ith the member constituencies has been criticised.... personal services.]

Basic Law and they have said that the Basic [T]he best option in my view is to give each "Such a step would have two main effects.

Law cannot be changed before 1997.... elector a single vote for a single directly First, it would give every single worker in

"But this is not the only way of building elected representative in a single seat con- Hong Kong the opportunity to elect to the up democracy in Hong Kong. 1 am keen that stituency." Legislative Council a Member to represent

Policy Speech, cont'd page 4

Beijing would take unilateral drastic actions approve of his proposals and his perfor- Canada, p. 5). At a news conference follow- with regard to both the political system and mance, and insist that he carry on with them ing an official luncheon in Toronto hosted by

the proposed airport before and after 1997. even at the risk of offending the Chinese gov- Mrs. McDougall. she affirmed. "We back the Lu also alleged that the Chinese and British ernment. A telephone survey of inhabitants proposals Governor Patten has outlined in his governments had agreed in writing in 1990 to across the border even found that Patten policy speech of Oct. 7 and wish him every

preclude the kind of development now pro- enjoyed higher ratings there than their own success in his negotiation with China." On 16 posed by Patten. Diplomatic correspondence provincial and municipal government leaders. November. U.S. State Department spokesman dating from 1990. published by the Hong Prior to delivering his policy address. Mr. Boucher issued an official policy state- Kong government in response to Lu's allega- Patten had flown to London to secure the ment expressing support of Patten's proposals tions, however, does not substantiate Lu's blessing of Prime Minister John Major. The which "represent a constructive approach to point although it does suggest a consensus to opposition parties in Britain have also given the goal of the democratization in Hong restrict democracy. him their backing. By mid-November, the Kong, a goal which the U.S. strongly sup-

In spite of the continued outpouring of Canadian, Australian, and U.S. governments ports." This objective is "not inconsistent attacks against Patten's proposals and against had publicly stated their support for greater with the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration."

his person by Beijing officials and pro- democracy in Hong Kong. also editorialized

Beijing politicians and newspapers in Hong Canadian support was reiterated by Prime [October 10 & 3 1 ] in favour of the general Kong, support for the governor remains high Minister Mulroney and External Affairs direction of the proposals. among Hong Kong people. Opinion polls Minister Barbara McDougall when they met Meanwhile, Lu Ping on his part travelled

conducted in Hong Kong after his visit to with Patten during his visit to Canada 11-14 to the U.S. from 5-11 November, at the invi- Beijing continue to show that a clear majority November [see Governor Patten Visits tation of the National Committee on U.S.-

Reaction. cont'd page 4

UPDATE 3 Policy Speech, cont'd from page 3

him or her at the workplace. Secondly, by of support.... What I have tried to do with order. His specific plans included retraining

encompassing all occupations, we will ensure these proposals is to meet two objectives programs for displaced workers in older

broad representation in the Legislative which I understand represent the views of the industries; the improvement of school stan- Council. community - to extend democracy while dards with better trained teachers, smaller

"These arrangements would result in the working within the Basic Law. All the pro- class sizes and whole-day schooling in new primary schools; improving welfare services franchise of the 30 functional constituencies posals I have outlined would, I believe, be such as an overhaul the Social Security being extended to all eligible voters in our compatible with the provisions of the Basic of system and improvement residen- working population of 2.7 million. Law. What these arrangements should give ofbenefits, tial care for the disabled, and special atten- Stronger Local Administration: "I us, therefore, is a 'through train' of democra- tion to needs of the elderly. come, fourthly, to the extremely important cy running on the tracks laid down by the He announced increased spending plans role of District Boards and Municipal Basic Law.... for health and hospital services with the pri- Councils.... I intend. ..that the [District Board] "I repeat once again our goal - 'one coun- ority on better patient care and shorter wait- responsibilities, functions and budgets should try, two systems.' What does that mean in ing periods for treatment, specialized health be expanded in 1993 so as to give them practice? It means a prosperous China, made centres for the elderly, "well-woman" clinics greater responsibility for the issues which more prosperous still by the contribution of a for females over 45. and better hospital and affect the residents of their particular dis- vigorous, tolerant and open Hong Kong. We out-patient care for the mentally ill. He tricts.... We will. ..give District Boards full should look towards the fifty years beyond promised a substantial increase in public authority in funds for envi- 1997. will be even successful than managing minor They more housing and the rehousing of urban squat- ronmental improvement projects, local public the fifty that went before. They will see our ters on government land. His proposals for a - works projects and community building own system and our own way of life which cleaner environment included the closing of activities.... you made and of which all of us are part - sur- older urban landfills, better disposal of solid

"As from 1994, 1 propose that all [DB] viving and flourishing because it works so well, waste and toxic industrial waste, and a

members should be directly elected, with the because it embodies values we all hold dear. major program of capital works (HK$3 bil- exception of ex-officio members in the New and because of the example of decency and lion) for the building of a new sewage treat-

Territories. We should similarly increase the success that it offers to the rest of humanity." ment system. The Government also promised number of directly elected seats on the two an increase of 800 police officers and the Municipal Councils... .we should abolish the In addition to these significant proposals strengthening of cooperation with Chinese authorities to appointed seats.... mi constitutional development, the Governor suppress cross-border crime. Finally, Governor Patten called not Overall Objectives: "In shaping this also announced ambitious programsfor for only services in social social an increase in but a greater accountability of package, I have tried to build on existing improving welfare, security, government in the provision of its services. institutions and to give them a broader base education, health , public housing, environmental protection, and law and

Reaction, cont'd from page 3

China Relations, and made use of the oppor- Within the Hong Kong community, some Embassy in London issued clarifications that tunity to argue against the introduction of forty social, occupational, religious, human such a threat was never made.

democracy in Hong Kong after one and a half rights, and service groups began to organize On 1 1 November, the Legislative Council

centuries of colonial rule without democracy. public support for the proposals, through voted 32 to 21 in favour of a motion to sup-

Back in Hong Kong, the Business and political advertisements, press conferences, port Patten's proposals in general principle.

Professional Federation, a lobby made up of public meetings, and demonstrations outside The vote took place after a heated marathon

certain members of the business elite, issued the New China News Agency. Their oppo- debate between most of the elected members

a statement in favour of "convergence" with nents labelled the proposals as a colonialist on one side, and pro-Beijing and conservative

the Basic Law and against the new constitu- plot which would ruin the stability and pros- business interests (appointees of previous tional proposals. Many of the most important perity of Hong Kong. governors) on the other side. So Patten enjoys

segments of the business community, howev- In the midst of the political cacophony, the both popular and representative backing in

er, refused to take part in this action, and the Hang Seng Index of the Hong Kong Stock Hong Kong, as well as international moral statement was quickly denounced by other Market continued to rise after Patten's policy support. He has appealed to Beijing and to the

business leaders as representative of only cer- address in early October. By mid-November, conservative Hong Kong business groups to

tain interests. At the same time, a semi-offi- it had gained nearly 1000 points to reach his- make concrete counter-proposals, so that the

cial representative of the Taiwan government toric heights at 6447. It dropped more than Hong Kong public could decide in an open

in Hong Kong remarked that if Beijing could 450 points in two days after Chinese Deputy and rational process what kind of future gov-

not tolerate the Patten proposals, it certainly Prime Minister Zhu Rongji made a statement ernment it wants.

would find it even harder to accept, under in London ( 16 November) which the interna- No other proposals have yet appeared.

Beijing's formula of "one country, two sys- tional press interpreted as a threat to abrogate However, there is no doubt that the drama

tems" for national unification, the more the Joint Declaration. However, the Index sta- will continue to unfold in the months to democratic system existing in Taiwan. bilized in the 5800s when the Chinese come.

4 UPDATE Governor Patten Visits Canada

The Governor of Hong Kong, the Rt. Hon. good to know thai we do so with the goodv. ill He also stressed thai il was important tor

Christopher Patten. \ isited Canada from 11- of our friends in Canada. And that we do so Hong Kong people to stand up for then own

14 November to mark the official closing ol with the friendship between our people in system and values: "It's that way of life

Festival Hong Kong '92. His itinerary includ- finer fettle today than it has ever been - a which is described in the Joint Declaration, ed a two-day visit to Vancouver and one daj friendship made more intimate and less dis- the values ol an open and tolerant society each in Ottawa and Toronto. During his stay tant by the advent of modern communica- whose values helped to make it more prosper-

in Vancouver. 11-12 November. Mr. Patten tions. ous ami more stable. The way of hie which is "... met with the Lieutenant Governor of British as I close this Festival it is not fanciful described in such detail in the Joint Columbia, the Hon. David Lam. and Premier to speak of our having constructed something Declaration comprises our system - one of Michael Harcourt. On Remembrance Day of a "Bridge across the Pacific" - a bridge the two systems in that historic concept, 'one

(Nov. 1 1 ). Governor Patten laid a wreath at between this great land and a rock in the country, two systems." We have by definition

in Victory Square to pay tribute South China Sea. a bridge of which our fore- to stand up for our system. We have to stand

to Canadian soldiers who helped defend bears who crossed the Pacific in their sailing up for it after 1997 and. of course. ...before

Hong Kong during World War II. Other ships would surely and rightly be proud." 1997 as well. ..if we won't stand up tor it Vancouver events included a gala dinner, tour Mr. Patten met with Prime Minister Brian now. what chance that people will stand up

of Chinatown, and a visit to the Dr. Sun Yat- Mulroney in Ottawa on 13 November, after for it in the years ahead?" sen Garden and the Chinese Cultural Centre. w hich the Governor presented the official gift His visit concluded with an afternoon

On the evening of 1 1 November at the Gala from Hong Kong to the people of Canada: a reception at the University of Toronto, hosted

Benefit Dinner which closed the festival. traditional 1 2-metre dragon boat, specially by President J. Robert Prichard and attended

Governor Patten spoke of the similarities and made for this occasion. It has been donated to by academics, community leaders and Hong growing ties between Hong Kong and the National Museum of Civilization in Hull. Kong students. Stressing the educational ties Canada. He concluded by referring to this The Hong Kong-Canada Business between Canadian and Hong Kong universi- special relationship of Hong Kong people to Association and Ottawa-Carleton Board of ties. President Prichard was impressed b\

Canada and to the rest of the world: Trade hosted a luncheon, and Mr. Mulroney Patten's recent recommendation to increase "Through the Festival, you have been able held a dinner for Mr. Patten the evening of research funding to tertiary institutions in

to experience the best that Hong Kong has to the 13th. Hong Kong by over 209c a year. Governor

offer - the cream of Hong Kong*s talent in Governor Patten arrived in Toronto on 14 Patten concluded his remarks on the impor-

music, in the theatre, in film, in fashion, in November and met with the Secretary of tance of these educational connections with

food and in sport. In all these areas. Hong State for External Affairs. Mrs. Barbara the statement that the test for the success or

Kong today is notching up astonishing McDougall. She stressed Canada's support in failure of his proposals for democratic achievement - and exporting them to the principle of Patten's proposals for more reforms would be whether the life style and world. democratic reforms in Hong Kong [see, freedoms now existing in Hong Kong could

"It is all these things - as much the excerpts from his Policy Speech, p. 1-4]. At a be sufficiently guaranteed for the future. In

attributes, like a free press, like freedom of luncheon hosted by Mrs. McDougall and later particular, this success would be revealed by

speech, like freedom of worship, of a free press conference. Governor Patten reiterated the choice of a large number of students

society - that together add up to Hong his call for a "period of quiet and calm reflec- presently studying in Canada to permanently

Kong's 'way of life." A way of life spelt out tion" on the proposals. "I very much hope we return to Hone Kona.

in paragraph after paragraph of the Sino- can move beyond the recent rhetorical phase

British Joint Declaration.... of the debate and have a rather calm discus-

"Implementing the Joint Declaration is. of sion about the political options for Hong

course, a task for Britain and China. But it is Kone's future."

Canada Celebrates Festival Hong Kong 92

by Janet Rubinoff Toronto

The month-long Festival Hong Kong 92 Toronto, and the celebration concluded in social events, sports and food demonstrations,

was celebrated with numerous events in five Vancouver on 11-12 November with the visit as well as business and educational seminars,

cities across Canada during September- of Hong Kong Governor Christopher Patten to emphasize the close relationship betw een October. Opening ceremonies took place on [see above]. Hong Kong and Canada. More than 50 events - and over 400 25 Sept. in Montreal. 26 Sept. in Toronto. 1 Each of the five participating cities were planned across Canada

Oct. in Calgary, 6 Oct. in Ottawa, and 10 Oct. Toronto, Ottawa/Hull, Montreal, Calgary and performers took part. Initiated by the

in Vancouver. A colourful 500-foot dragon Vancouver - sponsored numerous exhibits, Government of Hong Kong, it was their

parade launched the festival in downtown special performances, local cultural and Festival, cont'd page 6

UPDATE 5 .

Festival, cont'd from page 5

largest overseas promotion. It was held in Bank toured Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. Political Transitions (Oct. 1 ), Business Law reciprocation of Festival Canada in Hong Sports demonstrations, such as table tennis, (Oct. 1 ), Legal Issues (Oct. 2), and Hong

Kong, which was sponsored by the Canadian badminton, and martial arts, were featured in Kong Visa Students in Canada (Oct. 3).

Government in June 1991. all five locations. Photography exhibits Highlights of the conference also included an As part of the promotion several groups focused on scenes from local Chinatowns and Exhibition on Developments in Higher were brought from Hong Kong to perform in Chinese communities in Canada as well as Education in Hong Kong (Sept. 29-30); the different cities across Canada. These included Hong Kong. signing ceremony of an exchange agreement the Hong Kong Ballet which performed in Business seminars and trade shows between the University of Toronto, Chinese Calgary (Oct. 10-11) and Vancouver (Oct. 14- were a key component of festival events in University of Hong Kong, and University of

15); the Hong Kong Dance Company, each city. Several of these meetings, held on Hong Kong (Sept. 28) [see "Heads of Three which appeared in Toronto (Oct. 1-2); the Oct. 2 in Calgary and Oct. 19 in Ottawa, were Universities Sign Joint Agreement," p. 7]; Chung Ying Theatre Company which organized by local chapters of the Hong and a wrap up panel discussion on Oct. 2 at toured Toronto (Oct. 9-10), Montreal (Oct. Kong-Canada Business Association and which the Commissioner for Canada in Hong 13-14), and Vancouver (Oct. 17-18); the City Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The Sept. Kong, John Higginbotham. was a keynote Contemporary Dance Company coming to 30 seminar in Montreal was also co-spon- speaker [see "Change in Canada and Hong

Ottawa (Oct. 14) and Montreal (Oct. 17-18); sored by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Kong," p. 7|. the Hong Kong Academy for the Canada (APF). There were also a number of events

Performing Arts performing in Calgary In Toronto (Oct. 1 ) and Vancouver (Oct. 9 planned by the school boards in Toronto,

(Oct. 13-14) and Ottawa (Oct. 19); the Hong & 21) business conferences were organized North York and East York. A curriculum

Kong Chinese Orchestra playing in Toronto by the Hong Kong Trade Development package and teaching kit on Hong Kong were

- (Oct. 7-8) and Vancouver (Oct. 1 1 1 2); the Council in conjunction with other local orga- prepared by the Toronto Board of Education Hong Kong Youth Chinese Music nizations, such as the APF. The international for distribution to schools. Various work- Instrumental Ensemble (Sept. 28-29) and business conference in Toronto featured six shops were also held for teachers, counsel- the Hong Kong Festival Children's Chorus distinguished government and business lors, and all students. (numerous occasions, Sept. 26-Oct.2), which speakers from Hong Kong, including the Rt. A two-day Hong Kong Conference on both performed in Toronto. Hong Kong Film Hon. Baroness Lydia Dunn, senior member Social and Cultural Dynamics was held in

Festivals, featuring a number of Cantonese of Exco. A Cantonese Business Seminar was Vancouver (Oct. 16-17), sponsored by the films and a special tribute to director Sylvia also held on Oct. 2 in Toronto. Barrie David Lam Centre for International

Chang, were held in four places - Vancouver, Wiggham, the HK Government "s Acting Communication at Simon Fraser University,

Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. Chief Secretary, was the keynote speaker at the Chinese Law Program of the Centre for

A variety of special exhibits, demonstra- the trade seminar in Vancouver. Hong Kong Asian Legal Studies, UBC, and several tions and store promotions were also held business seminars were also held in Victoria Chinese community groups. The conference in each city. Food and cooking demonstra- (Oct. 22) and Kelowna, B.C. (Oct. 23). A included sessions on economic, legal and set- tions were presented in four centres - workshop on the "Hong Kong Airport Core tlement issues as well as on Women of Hong

Vancouver (Oct. 3-4 & 17-18), Toronto (Sept. Programme" was held in Vancouver Oct. 2 1 Kong. The last was organized by the Canada 25-Oct 5 & Oct. 3-4), Ottawa (Oct. 8-19), Special education programmes or con- and Hong Kong Project. Speakers included and Montreal (Oct. 7-11). A number of local ferences on Hong Kong, sponsored by sev- several leading public figures from Hong restaurants in each of these cities also partici- eral local universities, were held in four Kong - the Hon. Edward K.Y Chen, Hon. pated in a "dine around festival of flavours." cities. The University of Toronto and York Moses Cheng, Mrs. Rita Fan. and Hon. Emily

Art exhibitions featuring Chinese theatre as University co-sponsored a week long Lau. | For further information on the Toronto well as crafts and contemporary works were "Societies in Transition Conference," Sept. and Vancouver conferences, see Update, no. held in Vancouver (Canadian Craft Museum. 26-Oct.3. It included public lectures, several 7. "Education Programs," p. 4.]

Vancouver Museum, the UBC Museum of keynote addresses, and seven workshops Other education programs in Vancouver Anthropology, and the Chinese Cultural (Biomedical Research, Medicine and Hong included an exhibition and seminar on Hong

Centre) and Toronto (ROM). The Chinese Kong on Sept. 26, Education Connections. Kong Higher Education, held at UBC (Oct. coins & currencies exhibit of Hang Seng Sept. 28-29. Societal Issues (Sept. 30-Oct. 1 ). 14-15) and a seminar, "Forging Long-Term

FESTIVAL HONG KONG

Bridge Across the Pacific M && i¥ ^tt 9£ ,& t)D IH Pont Sur Le Pacifique

6 UPDATE Til's.'' .11 Simon Fraser(Oct. 14). A teachers' offered a variety of special local events for nearby suburbs included the Chinese workshop on "Teaching about Hong Kong'' the entire community. Gala benefit dinners Celebration Day at Harbourfront (Sept. 27). a and a "H.K. Teaching Module for BC were held in all five locations. Calgary 's fes- Hong Kong Carnival at Metro Convention Teachers" were held on Oct. 17-18 at SFU tival program included dragon boat races (Oct. Centre (Oct. 3-4). downtown Chinatown

Harbour Centre downtown. 3), a Chinatown Carnival (Oct. 10-12). and a Celebration (Oct. 3). Scarborough Lantern

The University of Calgary held a two-day production of Af. Butterfly (Sept. 13-Oct. 11). Festival (Sept. 29), Fun Day Festival in North mini-festival entitled "Opportunities." on 13- with a guest actor from Hong Kong. In a spe- York i Sept. 27). the Markham Hong Kong

14 October. In addition to arts, sports and cul- cial ceremony Nov. 1 3 at the Museum of Festival Fireworks Celebration (Oct. 4), exhi- tural displays, there were several seminars, Civilization in Ottawa/Hull, Governor Patten bitions in and Mississauga (Sept. such as on tourism and Hong Kong airport presented the official gift to Canada of a drag- 26). Harvest Festival at the Mississauga developments. An Education Programme and on boat from Hong Kong, which will be on Chinese Centre (Sept. 27). and Festival Hong luncheon was presented on Sept. 26 in exhibit at the Museum. Montreal featured a Kong in Etobicoke (Oct. 4).

Montreal at the Ministry of Education- Over painting exhibit (Sept. 10-Oct. 25) of the Vancouver celebrated "Hong Kong

30 professors and teachers participated in ses- works of Ming Ma. a Monkey King Mascot Weekend" at Granville Island i Oct. 3-4 1, a sions u hich focused on the unique character promotion during the month of October, a series of "Friendship Dinners'' at various of the history, geography, and the social and seminar on film and TV. co-production (Oct. schools. "Pan Pacificus: a Celebration" of the business , as well as on 5: also presented in Toronto and Vancouver), Vancouver Sinfionetta. and on Nov. 1 1 the the immigration of Hong Kong people to fashion show (Oct. 5), and a conference on concluding Gala Benefit Dinner with

Quebec. Hong Kong Architecture (Oct. 15). Governor Christopher Patten as special guest

In addition to the above, each festival city Special community events in Toronto and and speaker.

Heads of Three Universities Sign Joint Agreement Change in Canada and

On September 28. Wang Gungwu, Vice- relationships between their institutions. This Hong Kong

Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong. J. agreement will serve as the basis of a commit- Robert Prichard. President of the University ment to foster fruitful and lasting bonds fry John Higginbotham of Toronto, and Charles K. Kao. Vice- between scholars, students, and the wider Commissioner for Canada in Hong Kong

Chancellor of The Chinese University of communities in both Hong Kong and Toronto. Hong Kong, signed a partnership agreement Both the president and vice-president, In his keynote speech October 2 at the between the three universities. The result of research and international relations, of the conclusion of the Societies in Transition prior years of cooperative exchanges, this for- University of Toronto will be travelling to Conference. Commissioner John mal agreement includes collaboration in Hong Kong in early December. The main pur- Higginbotham provided a personal view of research, faculty exchanges, and graduate pose of their visit is to further academic rela- the historical causes, startling differences, studies. tionships with the University of Hong Kong and surprising parallels that have led to the

The signing ceremony and reception took and Chinese University as outlined in the joint special closeness that is growing between place at Massey College. U. of T.. in conjunc- agreement, to meet with U. of T. alumni, and Canada and Hong Kong. tion with the University Education to promote development activities. Scheduled In particular, he drew strong parallels

Programme of the recent Festival Hong Kong to visit Hong Kong from 1-5 December. between Canada and Hong Kong. He spoke

92. The university heads felt that Festival President Rob Prichard plans to speak at the about the similarities between the two soci- Hong Kong was an opportune event to for- Faculty of Law (HKU), the Canadian eties in historical evolution and in aspirations malize and strengthen the existing academic Chamber of Commerce, and a recruitment for the future. Canada and Hong Kong share function for high school principals. Vice- a British tradition, and they also have similar Chancellor Wang Gungwu. President traditions of bilingualism. multi-culturalism. Prichard. and Vice-Chancellor Charles Kao and cosmopolitanism. They both value an

will be featured speakers at a reception of the open press, the common law. an efficient University of Toronto Alumni Association. public service, and a balance between public

Vice-President James Keffer will be in and private sectors. Both societies were Hong Kong from December 5-10 to continue shaped by migrants fleeing from revolution;

talks with the two Hong Kong universities on their preferred solution to problems is prag- strong the implementation of the joint agreement. He matic compromise. Neither is given to to will also present a paper on Technology ideological positions. Both live next pow- Development and the Role of Higher erful neighbours whose twitches and grunts conservative, Educational Institutions at a conference on the can be disturbing. Both are I ice-Chancellor Wang Gungwu (HKU), Integration of Knowledge and Technology cooperative, moderate, and tolerant. Hong President J. Robert Prichard (U ofT), and Transfer, sponsored by the Hsu Chung Ching Kong is a comfortable place for Canadians Vice-Chancellor Charles Kao (CU) sign joint Education Foundation of Hong Kong. as Canada is for people from Hong Kong. agreement; photo by Linda Hutjens. Higginbotham. cont'd paae 8

UPDATE 7 Higginbotham. cont'd from page 7 Changing Patterns

The two societies are now confronting of Immigration common global, economic and social chal- from Hong Kong lenges and distinctive political tests, e.g., evolution. 1997 and Canadian constitutional by Diana Lary and Both rely heavily on international trade UBC, Vancouver make their way in a competitive have to ^g£e3L Jw ' must do this while maintaining world. They Some major shifts which will influence share: a free society, a good the aims they future patterns of immigration from Hong children, a decent and honest place to raise Kong are emerging. There seems to have with a responsible government. society, Members of the panel which closed the been a considerable fall in the number of have great strengths in Both communities Societies in Transition Conference: from left applications being made by Hong Kong peo- values and institutions in handling terms of to right Dora Choi (Chinese Univ.), Ming K. ple to move to Canada. In 1991 14,500 appli- and Hong Kong are twenty- change. Canada Chan (Hong Kong Univ.), Byron Weng cations were made world wide by people first century laboratories for the world in (Chinese Univ.), Commissioner John whose last permanent residence was Hong balancing and reconciling rights and terms of Higginbotham, Janet Salaff(U. of'T.). Cheuk- Kong; the number of people covered by the pragmatic way. The human identities in a van Lee (HK Confed. of Trade Unions), and applications was 46,214. In the first half of being forged between the two places are links Sidney S. Poon (Q.C., Toronto). Photo by Iris 1992, only 3,567 applications were made, for mutually reinforcing and robust, complex, Chung, Sing Tao. 9,794 people. will transcend short-term political change.

Immigrant Applications, CLPR Hong Kong, Visits Canada Legco Delegation by place made

During Festival Hong Kong Year Hong Kong Elsewhere Total Canada-Hong Kong From 25 September to 3 October, six mentarians. The 1989 15930 91% 1570 9% 17500 hosted a luncheon for members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council Business Association 1990 12912 867, 2156 14% 15068 which Allen Lee delivered (Legco) visited Canada at the invitation of the the delegation, at 1991* 12251 84'/, 2249 16% 14500 political and economic devel- Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth an address on 1992 2449 69% 1118 $19i 3567 Parliamentary Association, chaired by Senator opment in Hong Kong. *These figures are higher than those cited in our delegation toured William Doody. The purpose of the visit was In Toronto the Legco last Update since the earlier figures were incom- and met with several members to introduce Legco members to Canadian par- Queen's Park plete at that time. including the liamentary procedures. The invitation was of the Ontario Legislature, In addition, the the visit of Canadian parlia- speaker, Hon. David Warner. also a response to The major decline in applications seems participated in a number mentarians for Festival Canada in Hong Kong six Legco members to have been in Hong Kong itself. Of the of events for Festival Hong Kong both in in June 1991. 3.567 applications made in the first half of including attendance at of the Legco delegation included Ottawa and Toronto, Members 1992, 1,118 were made in places other than Sept.. Ming, Hui Yin-fat, Lau Chin- the opening ceremony in Toronto on 26 Fred Li Wah Hong Kong, or 31% of all applications, as seminars, meetings shek, Allen Peng-fei, Albert Chan Wai- the gala dinner, business Lee opposed to 2,249 of 14,500, or 16% in 1991. Kong and Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen. Mrs. with students at U. of T, the Hong yip, Of the 1992 applications, 1,704 were made in Secretary General of Omelco, Carnival, and a reception with Premier Bob Shelley Lau, JP, the USA, 63% of those not made in Hong Museum. also accompanied the Legco members. The Rae at the Royal Ontario Kong. In 1991 the figures for applications was part of the new group spent two days in Ottawa (Sept. 28-29). The Legco delegation made in the USA were 1 .549 of 2,2249, or Canada-Hong Kong Parliamentary meeting with a number of parliamentarians as 69%. representatives. Friendship Group, formed last July to pro- well as government Though the number of applications has included talks with the Hon. mote linkages between Canadian and Hong Their agenda declined dramatically, this decline will affect John Fraser. Speaker of the House; the Hon. Kong legislators. The Parliamentary future immigration. It has not yet had any the Chair of the Commons Standing Friendship Group is chaired in Canada by John Bosley, influence on current immigration. In fact, the on External Affairs and Inter- Hon. William Blaikie, MP; its vice-chair is Committee number of visas being issued has not serves the Hon. Guy Charbonneau, the Hon. Girve Fretz, MP. Allen Lee national Trade; declined nor has the number of landings in Kong. of the Senate; and John Tennant. as convenor of the Group in Hong Speaker Canada. In 1991 and the first half of 1992, includes 39 Director, North Asia Relations. External Membership in the CHKPFG the numbers of visas issued continued at very of Affairs and International Trade Canada. The Legco members as well as a number high levels. The first half figures for 1992 "interna- schedule also included a meeting with the Canadian MP's. This is the second seem to show that the trend over 1991 is Parliamentary tional" parliamentary group formed by Hong Canada-Hong Kong upward. first group Friendship Group, a roundtable discussion on Kong's Legislative Council. The Canada-Hong Kong relations with members was established with members of the third group is of External Affairs, a briefing with Elections Japanese Parliament, and a Canada, and dinner with Canadian parlia- planned with Australian parliamentarians.

8 UPDATE Visas Issued to Hung Kong Residents (CLPRHK) Life Style Changes of Immigrant Women

1989 22130 from Hong Kong 1990 22566 d) Tang 1991 29620 Hong Kong *1992 1X502

The final figures tor [991 arc higher than the fig- In March 1991. as part of my sociological rable" to the one she held in ure (26.647) published in the last Update. The Hong Kong, she studies at the University l of Toronto. I con- felt "semi-retired" l >"2 figures are for the first half of the year only and had decided that she ducted research on immigrant women from could not be "as ambitious in her work" as Hong Kong. My study involved extensive she was A large number of visas are being issued in Hong Kong, Ever) morning on interviews with ten immigrant women about her way to to Hong Kong residents at posts other than work, she had to drive her daugh- changes in their life styles after migrating to Hong Kong. In fact. 12.3% of 1991 visas and ter to daycare and pick her up again after Canada. In general, the data confirmed that work. 13.8% of 1992 visas were issued in places Unlike her situation in Hong Kong these women from Hong Kong experienced other than Hong Kong. Most of these were where her Filipina domestic helper fetched life style changes which involved increased the issued in the USA. In 1991. 2.971 of the children from school, she now felt "leav- work (either at home or outside), less leisure ing 3,643 visas not issued in Hong Kong were the office on time" had become her major time for entertainment, and fewer luxuries. concern. dispensed in the USA (82% >. In the first half Reasons given for these changes were the Another interviewee, of 1 992. the comparable figures were 1 .877 who was more afflu- burden of additional (60', housework due to the ent, had decided to of 3.107 ). Many of these visas were become a full-time home- expense of domestic help in Toronto or lack maker and - probably sought by people already in Canada not "relegate" her children to day of support from an extended family, fewer care. She reasoned that as visitors, who went south of the border for since the famil) 's relatives and friends in Canada with whom to convenience, but others may have been made immigration was for the future of the chil- socialize, and little extra money for entertain- by people who wanted to avoid the lengthy dren, she should do her utmost to enhance her ment. children's processing time in Hong Kong. Some statis- chances for success in Canada. She Five respondents felt they spent far believed tics, for places other than the USA. are hard- that the academic achievement of greater time than in Hong Kong at domestic her children er to understand. For example, who were the would "more than compensate" chores, which included tending two families from Hong Kong whose immi- their family her personal "loss." Thus, she kept herself and housework. Four of these women had busy tending the grant visas for Canada were issued in Bogota house and doing volunteer hired migrant domestic helpers in 1992° from the work in her children's school - what she con- Philippines when they lived and worked in Landings in Canada in 1991 and 1992 ceived as the lifestyle of a "typical North Hong Kong. As one complained, "I am now American, suburban continue to be high. The 1992 figure is for housewife." mother, working woman, and domestic the ten the first six months of the year only. If land- Of interviewees, there was only helper, all rolled into one." One interviewee one whose job status ings continue at the same level for the rest of had risen in Canada, had experienced little change in the amount and she had children. the year, then the rate of landings is increas- no Though she does not of domestic labour because her mother, who have a university ing rather than declining. These figures rep- education, she is verj self- had cared for her child in Hong Kong, had confident, resent people who applied for immigrant and as she expressed it. "A good also migrated to Canada. driver visas in 1989 or 1990 and received their visas is a good driver no matter where she However, four other women confirmed in 1990 or 1991. Successful applicants have drives, right?" However, she readily admitted that they spent more time in their outside that her opportunity up to one year after their application is for a career would be occupations, either because of increased approved to land in Canada. diminished if she decided to have a child. financial needs or as a result of a change in Many of these women preferred to live in the nature of their jobs. Two of these women Landings in Canada (CLPR HKl Chinese communities like parts of were working long hours in restaurants, Scarborough, not because they wanted to cre- 1989 19962 another laboured as a housemaid in order to ate "a little Hong Kong." but in order to com- 1990 29266 supplement family income, and a fourth had a pensate for the support network they have 1991 22339 better and more lucrative job than the one she lost - their extended family, friends, and a "1992 19411 had in Hong it Kong but necessitated work- familiar and unintimidating cultural habitat.

*This figure is for the first ing overtime. six months of 1992. As one woman lamented, in her first year Loss of domestic support seemed to be a here she had to "releam everything." and she All statistics particularly crucial are from the Immigration variable affecting life was grateful there is a Chinatown and for the Statistics Division. style changes the Employment and of respondents. Lack of many Chinese friends she came to know in Immigration Canada. adequate or affordable domestic help was her neighbourhood. cited as a reason why many of these women Some of the subjects chose to live in out- had lowered their career expectations or re- lying communities of Toronto simply because focused their priorities in life. The most obvi- they have family there. Especially for immi- ous case was that of a woman with a master's grant women who do not speak English, as degree. Although she had a position "compa- Women, cont'd page 10

UPDATE 9 Visa Students' Experiences in Canada

Thefollowing excerpts are from two stu- I choose to study in another country? I can parents to earn the money. They have decided dent essays written for the curriculum pack- learn English better and I can become inde- for me to acquire a good education and to

age on Hong Kong and compiledfor the pendent have a good career in the future.... When I

Toronto Board of Education this September During my first class, I found that I need- finish my education I will go back to Hong

1992. Both essays are from visa students ed to face a great problem - language. Kong. I don't want to stay in Canada. I love attending public secondary schools in Although I have been learning English since Hong Kong more than Canada. I don't mind

Toronto. We are grateful to Arlene Tan:. kindergarten in my country. I was not able to about China taking over Hong Kong on 30

Coordinator of the Social Studies talk to people. I could not really understand June 1997. 1 think that the British is only

Department. Curriculum and Program what people said or express what I wanted to interested in material gains. Division, for allowing us to reprint these say. This was especially difficult in my On 4 June 1989, nobody believed that the essays. English class; my limited knowledge about Chinese Government would shoot the univer-

Canadian society almost excluded me from sity students. I know that the Chinese

"A Visa Student's Life in Toronto" the discussions. Eventually I lost interest Government was wrong, but we could not

by Shnki Mo studying in the class. Finally. I ended up fail- stop it. I think that after 1997 Hong Kong's

I have lived in Canada without my family ing the course! economy would be the same. At that time I

for half of a year, and I have begun a new life This is the first time I have to leave my will go back to find a job and stay there.

because I am here alone.... I am 18 years old. family and live in another country alone. I am Hong Kong is a good place. People there

I am the youngest child in my family. Since I learning how to take care of myself. I have to work so hard and they never seem to stop! I

have already graduated from secondary plan my daily life because 1 must do both believe that China's governing of Hong Kong

school in Hong Kong. 26 equivalent Ontario homework and housework after school. will be similar to Britain's for a long time to

Secondary credits have been given to me. Nobody would help me! Sometimes, I would come. It may be better than before. Hong

Therefore. I only need to complete 6 more forget to have dinner because of studying. Kong citizens are afraid that China will make

OACs [Ontario Academic Credits] including Anyway. I feel I have done quite well in them conform to the way that China has been

English to be admitted to university. learning to live an independent life. ruled, and the economy would decline.

In order to go to University, I came to In the last year, I have improved my However, I would like to protect our country

Canada to be a visa student but why would English. I can communicate to people much by participating in the work force.

better now. I am trying to speak English Many differences exist between Canada

more. So I have less difficulties in the lan- and Hong Kong. There are four distinct sea-

guage. I passed the upgrading course sons in Canada. In Hong Kong, we do not Women, cont'd from page 9 ESL4A7 at summer school. It really gave me have such sharp seasonal changes - the

confidence for learning English. colourful fall and the white snow.... Toronto was the case with two interviewees, the pres- I will study at high school for one more is a city full of immigrants, and they speak ence of the surrounding Chinese community year even though I got six OAC credits their own languages and live their own cul- "makes life bearable." vital concern to Of already. I cannot go to university yet. It is tures. these is the quickness or extent to women because my poor English would be the Last week I joined the Toronto Board of which their ESL English classes will assist biggest handicap in my higher education.... Education Orientation Program for them in getting out of "demeaning jobs" or After I finish university. I will go back to International Students, even though I have their present "immobility." Hong Kong because it is quite difficult to find been going to school here for a year. It was For those in this sample who are young a job in Canada. wonderful. I had the opportunity to meet and and well-educated, moving to Canada still make friends with other foreign students like meant revising their expectations and re- "One Year in Canada as a Visa myself. focusing their priorities. Inevitable changes Student" I am renting a room in a rooming house in lifestyles have occurred. now spend Many by Frederick Lee near Christie subway station. I have to man- more time on housework and childcare at the I am 19 years old. I come from Hong age my own budget, cook, clean, study, and expense of compromising their career goals. Kong. So far I have lived in Canada for about decide on everything that affects my develop- At the same time, because of their own expe- one year. I have learned and grown a lot over ment and progress in life. My parents cannot

rience of dislocation and insecurity, these the last year. help me or look after me because they are too women tend to make extra efforts to ensure When I was 1 8, my parents asked me if I far away. I miss my family terribly. It's a the future success of their children. Thus, wanted to go to Canada to study. I felt very lonely life for me. but I'm also learning inde- they take them to a number of Saturday happy. On the other hand. I was worried pendent living skills. enrichment classes, including Chinese lan- because the Canadian school fees are very guage, computers, and "Kumon." or high for one year. I know it is not easy for my Japanese style drilling in mathematics.

10 UPDATE 1

Canadian Stories Crime Wave in Hong Kong

In Kwok-cheung Slutm

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Hong Kong sponsored a 9-da> Ontario lour in November Many Hong Kong people are worried by smugglers' boats in Hong Kong waters of the musical play, Canadian Stories, the the deteriorating law and order situation since peaked at 1 .447 in one month [SCMP, 2 first national tour of the Vancouver Youth violent crime, armed robberies, and smug- March 1992). Most serious is the illegal Theatre. The play explores the thoughts, feel- gling are still widespread. According to offi- importation of Chinese lethal weapons into ings and impressions of young immigrants to cial figures in April of this year, the violent Hong Kong. In June 1991, robbers armed Canada. What makes this original work so crime rate remained high at 4.4 1 8, an with Chinese-made AK-47 automatic rifles compelling is that the tales it dramatizes are increase of 4.2% over the same period last fired about forty shots at police. Hours later all true, coming from the stories of young, year. Although the total crime rate has masked gunmen simultaneously raided five English-as-a-Second-Language students who dropped slightly from that reported in 1991. jewelery stores, exchanging more than thirty have recently moved to Canada. The per- this year witnessed a spate of violent armed shots with police. Five people were injured. formers in the play range in age from 13-20. robberies - 18 in the first quarter of 1992 and In April 1992, robbers used AK-47 rifles and several of whom are recent immigrants them- double that for the same period last year. (See grenades to fight back police in . selves. As well as their production at the figure 1.) Seventeen people were injured, including Harbourfront Centre Premiere Dance Theatre four police officers [Ming Pao. 25 April in Toronto, the group also performed at a Figure 1: Quarterly Crime Statistics (Selective) 1992]. number of elementary and high schools in A number of surveys reflect the concern 1 Quarter 1 st Quarter the Metro area. st Quarter 4th 1992 1991 1991 of Hong Kong people w ith this wave of vio- As Graeme McDonald. President of the lence. One study conducted by the Social APR writes. "Canadian Stories allows us to Total crime 20.049 22.348 20,340 Sciences Research Centre of the University hear and see the anguish, the humour and Total violent of last April found that over half 4.S42 4.240 Hong Kong frustrations of newcomers trying to make crime 4.418 law Robbery with the respondents considered that the and Canada their home. It puts a human face on firearms 18 17 9 order situation in Hong Kong had deteriorat- the issues of confronting racism and culture Robbery w ah ed [SCMP, 8 May 1992]. Government opin- and racial diversity w ithin Canada - issues pistol-like object 144 133 129 ion polls also confirmed this result. Since vital to the social and economic fabric of 1983 the City and New Territories Canada. Source: South China Morning Pest. 25 April 1992. Administration (CNTA) has held a series of "We believe that the message and spirit telephone surveys to monitor public opinion behind each of these stories represent the The new crime wave began in March Government's smuggling on perceived problems and the tremendous human resource that Canada 1991 when police faced increased overall performance. Its recent reports show- gains when people from the Asia Pacific between Hong Kong and China. Smugglers, that concern with "crime-related problems" region and other parts of the world decide to who possessed powerful speed boat engines has risen from fifth ) to top place (429i I, luxury cars (6% make Canada their new home." (called tai-fei). illegally shipped between November 1991 and May 1992. to Specializing in creative "playbuilding," and other high-priced consumer goods (See figure 2.) the Vancouver Youth Theatre has been invit- Mainland China. Last year the number of Crime Wave, cont'd page 12 ed to Japan. Australia and Europe. This trip marks the first time the VYT has performed in other parts of Canada outside British Dragons Crime Columbia. During the summer of 1991. the of group also toured Canadian Stories through Asian Gangs in Canada the United Kingdom. Having won awards in in 1997 on criminal activity in Japan and most recently the Canadian An October 3 reception in Toronto China North America. The book is available in Secretary of State Award for Excellence in marked the launching of a new book on hardback (CDNS28.95) from the Sleuth of the Field of Race Relations, the VYT present Asian crime gangs in Canada. Dragons of Baker Street book store (1595 Bay-view a memorable work in Canadian Stories, Crime: Inside the Asian Underworld, by Ave.. Toronto). which portrays the resilience, endurance and James Dubro, published by Octopus Ontario. James Dubro is a researcher on orga- hope of young people. Carole Tarlington is Publishing Group of Markham, author, nized and has written the Artistic Director of the play, and John Researched over ten years by the explores the historical develop- several books and articles on the Canadian Sereda is its Musical Director. For more the book Mafia. His investigation of criminal gangs information, please contact: ment of Chinese gangs in Canada as well Vancouver Youth Theatre as the recent rise in criminal activity of began in the 1970s when he helped pro- in Canadian duce and research the CBC"s Suite 200 - 275 E. 8th Ave. Asian tongs, triads and gangs television series on orga- Vancouver, BC VST 1R9 cities. It traces the activities and interna- "Connections" of these gangs and con- nized crime. tel: (604) 877-0678 tional connections siders the impact of Hong Kong's return to

UPDATE 11 Crime Wave, cont'd from page i Hong Kong in the Mainland Press Figure 2: Problems Perceived of Most Concern to Hong Kong People by Jane Greaves Shenzhen Nov. Jan. March May 1991 1992 1992 1992 The newspaper pickings in Beijing were tions were mentioned in only one article in Crime-related slim this past summer; however, that this mid-June. Governor Patten's comments and problems 6% 8% 16% 42% might be the result of lack of newsworthy China's rebuttals (or China's comments and Hong Kong future 18% 23% 15% 13% events is not the case. Filling the Hong Kong Patten's rebuttals), which made daily front Economv-related in were not even problems 23% 28% 15% 13% papers are articles on recalculations of the page news Hong Kong, Housing-related airport budget, bilateral negotiations on air- acknowledged by the Mainland press. problems 24% 13% 16% 11% port financing, a change in the airport design, The bulk of articles discussed the Port and Labour-related a new governor, and debates over appoint- Airport Development Strategy (PADS). In problems 6% 10% 9% 4% ments to the Legislative Council (Legco), the June the upward revision of the estimated (No. of 1995 elections, and land used by defense cost of the Chep Lap Kok airport project - an respondents) (935) (1064) (1048) (1079) forces. Why there was so little coverage of increase of 13.8% in the previous ten months Source: Report of an Opinion Poll, from Nov. these Hong Kong events in People's Da

When asked whether Hong Kong was feasible is a look at how these issues were talks between the Chinese and British gov- becoming more dangerous than other big presented in the few articles that appeared. ernment. 3-7 July, and the Sino-British cities, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Every few weeks, an article appeared, Airport Committee meeting, 16 July, main-

John Sheppard, insisted that Hong Kong was either in English or Chinese, reiterating tained China's great concern but also still a very safe place to live, but he also rec- China's confidence that the transfer of power expressed its "positive and supportive attitude ognized that some "vicious thugs" have been will be effected smoothly, provided both toward the construction of the new airport." imported from China to Hong Kong [SCMP, sides strictly abide by the Sino-British Joint However, an article on 23 July in China 10 May 1992]. The China factor makes it Declaration and the Basic Law. In one such Daily did not hesitate to suggest where the police more difficult for Hong Kong to cope article, a sentence was added to the last para- responsibility lies on any future delay in with the crime wave. Firstly, many criminals graph that mentioned the June meeting of the PADS: associated with local gangs are illegal immi- Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. The main If the Hong Kong government had under- grants from China. Secondly, firearms used topic of the meeting, the article reported, was taken construction of the new airport by robbers on the streets of Hong Kong are the future of lands now used for defense pur- within the stipulated scope of the memo- being from the Mainland since smuggled poses in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, it did not randum after it was signed, all the con- weapons are now easily available in China or elaborate on what had actually been dis- cerned projects would have progressed hav- via China from Vietnam. Thirdly, after cussed, whether any decisions had been smoothly.... the problem now is that new ing committed crimes in Hong Kong. reached, or whether the issue would be taken issues have been raised, as the financial across Chinese criminals can flee back the up again. This article resembled many others. arrangements proposed by the British side border. To the reader, it served as a vehicle for exceed the stipulations of the memoran- has Recently. Sino-Hongkong cooperation Beijing to reiterate China's commitment to dum by a large margin. been initiated to curb cross-border crime. In the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and. On 1 7 August, the Provisional Airport 24- March Hong Kong police set up a direct by implication, to question Britain's. Authority announced an improvement of the hour, anti-smuggling hotline with their The changing of the Governor of Hong layout of the new airport which would trim counterparts. After his visit to Chinese Kong in early July merited only three articles. HK$150 million off the budget of HKS175.3

Beijing in May, the Policy Commissioner. Li Lord Wilson's departure was covered in a billion. In two of the articles, one in Chinese would establish Kwan-ha, announced China three paragraph review. A second article, on and one in English, there was a visible "I- a "liaison office" in Hong Kong to aid local the day of the arrival of the new Governor, told-you-so" attitude: the new layout shows to police combat crime [SCMP, 10 May published Chris Patten's goals to continue the "that the former design is not the 'best 1992]. However, the reaction of Hong Kong British government's policy on Hong Kong design' as some officials had claimed.... this "liaison office" is people to a Chinese and to build a constructive relationship with showed the criticism against the former ambivalent. survey sponsored by A Ming China. Governor Patten's swearing in was design had good grounds, and it is absolutely 18 that half the Pan \ May 1992] showed covered two days after the event in a third necessary to listen to opinions from various respondents in favour of the establish- were article. In August. China Daily reported that circles in the construction of the new airport." office, the half ment of such an while other Patten will visit Beijing for two days on the In sum. the few articles that appeared dur- were opposed. On the one hand. Hong Kong 12-14 of October. [This was later changed to ing the summer managed to avoid any in- people understand that without Chinese 20-22 Oct.] depth discussion of the issues (except where cooperation it would be difficult for the local For an issue so central to the determina- it was in China's favour). At the same time, the police force alone to check crime wave. tion of Hong Kong's future political structure. the reader of the Mainland press is left with the other hand, they fear involve- On PRC Legco received surprisingly little press. the impression that Beijing does not have ment in Hong Kong's law and order system Appointments to Legco and the 1995 elec- complete confidence in the UK's intentions. as it may lead to China's intervention in local administration.

12 UPDATE China-Hong Kong Legal Relations

by Pern Keller

Faculty oj Law

Manchester I ntver.sily

Discussion of legal relations between ship is an inevitable part of the transition to has indicated that a judicial decision made Hong Kong and China has centred on the Chinese rule. anywhere within China against a Hong Kong

Hong Kong Basic Law since its enactment in Hong Kong's changing legal relationship party should be enforceable within Hong 1990. Concern has been expressed that after with China can be detected in four areas: the Kong and vice versa. In the Chinese \ iew,

1997 Beijing will use the interpretation of transfer of sovereignty, preparation of the this is an inevitable consequence of unifica- both the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Hong Kong legal system for 1997, the impact tion. The difficulty for Hong Kong lies in the

Declaration to enlarge its role in the day to of Hong Kong laws and regulations on the manifest weaknesses of the Chinese civil da\ running of Hong Kong. However, less PRC legal system (especially southern court system in which judges, often inade- considered is the fact that the future of Hong China), and the role of private individuals in quately trained in the law. lack independence

Kong-China legal relations is already taking the development of cross-border legal rela- from both government and the Communist shape. There are an increasing number of tions. First, at the level of grand politics is Party. The Hong Kong government has estab- activities occurring on both sides, within and the transformation of a British crown colony lished an advisory committee to examine pos- outside the government, that are setting into a Chinese Special Administrative Region sible ways of resolving this issue. No doubt ground rules for the future. This article (SAR). This involves the gradual demarca- the avoidance of miscarriages ofjustice will explores the growing network of legal activi- tion of the limits of Hong Kong's autonomy be a high priority. ties that is developing in anticipation of 1997. within the PRC and in its relations with the Of even greater concern is the question of Legal cooperation between Hong Kong rest of the world. rendition of criminal suspects. Although and the Mainland has been a slow and hesi- In this area the spotlight has been on the Mainland Chinese sought by the Public- tant affair. Mutual distrust has often brought negotiations between Britain and China con- Security Ministry have been returned to limited progress to a standstill - for example, ducted through the Joint Liaison Group, a China as illegal aliens, the sensitive issue of the lengthy confrontation between the Hong body established under the Joint Declaration. turning over Hong Kong residents sought for Kong and British governments and Beijing Progress on many issues has been slow. alleged crimes committed in China has not over the Port and Airport Development Interrupted after the Tiananmen massacre in been settled. In view of China's use of capital Strategy (PADS). 1989, these negotiations have frequently been punishment for many criminal offenses, a

China is concerned that Hong Kong's bogged down by disagreements. For exam- rendition agreement is likely to be repugnant unfamiliar legal system will be used to thwart ple, in the area of civil air services agree- to many Hong Kong people. the exercise of Chinese sovereignty over the ments between Hong Kong and foreign The recent rise of violent has Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. states, it has yet to be resolved whether the that is closely linked to southern China Certainly, these fundamentally different legal civil air link with Taiwan is a domestic issue forced the issue of effective cooperation w ith systems can be an obstacle to cooperation. falling under Beijing's authority or an inter- Chinese public security forces. Therefore, it

Little more than an offshoot of English law. national issue falling under Hong Kong's lim- seems unlikely that Hong Kong can continue Hong Kong's common law system has begun ited authority in international matters. Other indefinitely in the position of needing rendition. to develop its own character only in the past outstanding issues have not reached the point Chinese cooperation but avoiding decade. By contrast China's legal system, of substantive negotiation between Britain As much as the issue of recognition and

only recently rescued from the oblivion of the and China. As time runs out, it is clear that enforcement of Chinese judgments and the

Cultural Revolution, is a rapidly changing some will remain partially or even entirely rendition of criminal suspects is in many

mixture of indigenous. Soviet, civil and com- unresolved. respects unpalatable, it also appears mon law concepts. Among the latter are the sensitive ques- inevitable. Refusal to negotiate is to risk the However, Chinese apprehensions in no tions of recognition and enforcement of imposition by Beijing of a unilateral solution. with way compare to the deeper fears of Hong Chinese civil judgments in Hong Kong as Hence, the search for a modus vivendi Kong residents tow ards the state of law in the well as rendition (domestic extradition) of Beijing on these matters is yet another item Mainland. In spite of China's impressive criminal suspects to the Mainland. on a long list of unresolved problems. annual output of new laws and regulations, Recognizing and enforcing foreign judicial The second area of developing Hong many Hong Kong Chinese remain to be con- decisions necessarily involves a degree of Kong-China legal relations is in the work of

vinced that anything remotely approaching trust regarding the reliability of those judg- the Hong Kong government to prepare the the rule of law exists across the border. Too ments. Consequently, nations have historical- legal system for 1997. In accordance with the Declaration the Basic Law, Hong often it seems that it is the word of a Party ly been restrictive in the terms and conditions Joint and

its remaining leader that is the law. Yet. in the face of this they set for the acceptance of foreign judg- Kong is gradually severing legal system. hostility, necessity is forcing a change of atti- ments. Hong Kong, as a British colony, has statutory ties with Britain's UK

tude regarding the role of law in Hong Kong- largely limited its acceptance of judgments to statutes that have applied directly to the

China relations. Recent developments show a those of other common law jurisdictions. colony, such as the Merchant Shipping Act are growing acceptance that, however difficult However, as a future part of China, the 1894 and the Copyright Act 1956, being

cooperation may be. a working legal relation- territory can no longer be so choosey. Beijing Legal Relations, cont'd page u

UPDATE 13 Legal Relations, cont'd from page 13 replaced with local versions. However, this the government. Although a step towards of statutes stripped of associated case law are work, which requires considerable expertise, legal cooperation with the Mainland, such a a far cry from any genuine version of Hong has strained the resources of the govern- service, significantly, was not perceived to be Kong law. The insertion of these translations ment's Legal Department. Consequently, necessary until five years after the signing of by the Shenzhen authorities into a legal sys- other legal links to Britain that appear not to the Joint Declaration. The experience of the tem based on fundamentally different princi- offend against the Basic Law. including ordi- China Law Unit has shown that many gov- ples and procedures is likely to take Chinese nances that make direct reference to British ernment departments remain skeptical of the law in a direction unexpected on either side statutes, are to be left unchanged. benefits of advice on Chinese law. Yet, this of the border. The much publicized project to translate may in part be caused by a general uncertain- Fourthly, consideration should also be all of Hong Kong's ordinances and regula- ty within the government as to how to inter- given to the role of private individuals in the tions into Chinese has. in fact, no direct role act with the Chinese administrative system. development of Hong Kong-China legal rela- in the transition to PRC rule. It is more close- The third area which should be examined tions. The integration of the economies of ly connected to the territory's restricted is the response within China to the resump- Hong Kong and southern China has created a progress towards democracy and political tion of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The commercial environment in which business maturity. This translation project is intended Basic Law is the centre piece of the Chinese enterprises and their legal advisors are in con- to reinforce the legitimacy of the common plan for the Hong Kong SAR. Decisions stant interaction with parties across the bor- law in a Chinese community. However, regarding the transition are dealt with by the der. This has not only meant the transfer of because of the vast body of case law Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office within Hong Kong's more sophisticated techniques involved, complete translation of the com- the State Council, in conjunction with a spe- of drafting legal documents, such as commer- mon law is plainly impossible. The project cial department of the Ministry of Foreign cial contracts and intellectual property licens- has therefore been limited to the translation Affairs (Hong Kong. Macao, and Taiwan es, but has also involved an education in their of the large, but manageable, body of Hong Division). underlying legal concepts. Without in depth

Kong ordinances and regulations. Even this The Chinese government, like Hong research, it is impossible to estimate the sig- task is unlikely to be completed by the Legal Kong, is short of the legal expertise needed to nificance of these exchanges. In many Department's Law Drafting Division before deal with the many complications of 1997. In instances, the ineffectiveness of law in China, 1997. response to this deficiency, some PRC gov- rather than China's progress in legal develop-

The significance of this exercise is diffi- ernment bodies have instituted programs to ment, may have more strongly impressed cult to gauge. Perhaps essential from a politi- expose their officials to the common law. Hong Kong parties. The result would be more cal perspective, translation is a questionable This includes the Supreme People's Court a lesson on the importance of power and exercise from a legal point of view. The which is sending selected judges to Britain on influence than a lesson in law for the Chinese Chinese language, which lacks direct equiva- six-month study visits in order to develop party. lents for many common law terms, must be proficiency in the common law. Other It is evident that the momentum in both stretched to capture the meaning of the Chinese officials have been sent to Hong public and private legal relations between

English original. Lawyers in Hong Kong will Kong or British solicitors' firms for short Hong Kong and China is increasing. In the understandably continue to rely on the term placements. 1980s, development was slow and hesitant, as English version as the authentic form of the The impending return of Hong Kong has much a result of inexperience on both sides law. While to some extent translation will had the greatest impact in southern China. In as a consequence of Hong Kong's deep make Hong Kong law more accessible to Guangdong province, particularly in the ambivalence towards the Mainland. Now the

Chinese speakers, commentators suggest that Shenzhen area, there is distinct awareness of sheer necessity of cooperation in the final this strained translation of statute law is the importance of understanding Hong Kong years before 1997 is exerting pressure on

unlikely to bridge the gulf of language and law. In the last few years, motivation has both sides to find ways to bridge the gap culture. gone beyond a simple desire to know of between the two legal systems.

Hong Kong, therefore, faces a post-colo- developments in the territory and now con- nial future in which English will remain the cerns the import of Hong Kong law into South China Morning Post principal language of the law. despite the fact China. The stunning example of this aware- that is is not the language of daily life for the ness is the new Shenzhen Provisional A weekly edition of the South China vast majority of Hong Kong people. Regulations for Limited Joint Stock Morning Post has been available in Canada

However, once British sovereignty ends, it is Companies, China's first comprehensive for the past six months and is selling very

inevitable that many residents of the territory company law. These regulations are taken well. The edition is published on Thursday

will come to question the acceptability of a almost entirely from Hong Kong company morning in Hong Kong and then air freighted

foreign language legal system. law statutes and regulations. If this experi- to Canada. It has two sections. News and

In 1989. in anticipation of closer legal ties ment is deemed successful, the Shenzhen reg- Business, and is available from newsstands with China, the Legal Department established ulations will have a large impact on the or by subscription. The annual rate is

the China Law Unit within its Legal Policy national company law which is now being $ 1 24.95, and an introductory subscription is

Division. The task of this small unit is to drafted in Beijing. $34.95. Orders can be placed through the

advise on relevant developments in Chinese The eventual significance of these bor- Post at P.O. Box 47, Hong Kong, or Fax:

law and to raise awareness of PRC law within rowings is far from clear. Chinese translations 852-565-9833.

14 UPDATE )

New Asia Pacific Centre Inaugurated in Montreal

Over 300 people attended the official at the inauguration. Speakers included Claude Jules Nadeau, coordinator inauguration of the Joint Centre for Asia Corbo and Patrick Kenniff. rectors of UQAM Centre conjoint de recherches en

Pacific Communication Research (Centre and Concordia, who stressed the importance communication sur l'Asie Pacifique conjoint de recherches en communication sur of this inter-university collaboration and the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific

l'Asie Pacifique), held on 16 June 1992 at the major role of international cooperation in the Communication Research Montreal Botanical Gardens. Funded by the agendas of their two universities. Repre- Universite Concordia

Max Bell Foundation, the Centre conjoint is a senting the president of the Max Bell 7141 ouest. rue Sherbrooke cooperative venture between Concordia Foundation. Gail Sinclair emphasized the Pavilion Bryan, BR-418 University and the Universite du Quebec a Foundation's commitment to support the Montreal, Quebec

Montreal (UQAM). Four areas will be Centre and promised to follow its develop- CANADA H4B 1R6

emphasized in the centre's research program: ment closely. Tel: (514) 848-2561

1 communication technologies and policies; Co-directors of the Centre conjoint are Fax: (514) 848-2860

2) public development assistance and human Elizabeth Morey (Director. Special Projects.

resource development: 3) intercultural com- Concordia). Dr. Claude-Yves Charron munication and immigration: and 4) interna- (Director. Dept. of Communications.

tional communication and organizational UQAM). and Dr. Brian Lewis (Chair, Dept. development. of Communication Studies. Concordia). Jules

Prior to the inauguration ceremony, the Nadeau. who is also on the Advisory Board

Advisory Board held its first meeting in order of the Canada and Hong Kong Project, is the

to discuss the Centre's accomplishments to administrative coordinator of the new Centre. date, its mandate, and the general direction of Four team research projects are alread} future research. Professor Kong Fah Lee and under way. including ones funded by the Dr. Minoru Tsunoda co-chaired the meeting. Canada-ASEAN (Association of Southeast The 29 Board members are from diverse Asian Nations) in Toronto, the Japan the Korea Foundation. backgrounds, including representatives from Foundation, and They Principal dignitaries at the inauguration the Chinese. Korean, and Japanese communi- focus primarily on communication technolo- ceremony: standing, Patrick Kenniff', Gail gies policies in these countries. Ten doc- ties, as well as individuals from the diplomat- and Sinclair. Claude Corbo, Pierre Bourque: social toral students are also associated with the ic, government, academic, and eco- sitting, the advisory hoard co-directors, newsletter nomic fields. Centre. The Centre publishes a Minoru Tsunoda and Kong Fall Lee. Photo The director of the Botanical Gardens. M. both in French and English. For more infor- byJ.-A. Martin. Montreal. Pierre Bourque, welcomed the invited guests mation, contact:

Montreal Documentary on Hong Kong Eligible Bachelors

Hong Kong '97, an important film pro- members of the Chinese community are also Canadian citizenship seems to be the one

duced by Via Orient (Quai 32) of Montreal, interviewed by Jules Nadeau. author of Hong of choice for Hong Kong's youthful elite.

has recently been released on the internation- Kong 1997: dans la gueule du Dragon rouge, According to a list compiled by the Hong

al market. This three-part documentary (2 V2 recently published in Montreal. Kong magazine. Mode, five of Hong Kong's hours in total) discusses problems arising A Bernard Morin film, this Quebec pro- ten most eligible bachelors hold Canadian

from the transfer of Hong Kong to Chinese duction cost $1 .5 million and took two years passports. The top two are the sons of Li Ka-

sovereignty and examines the condition of to complete, including three months of film- shing. Victor and Richard, both Canadian cit-

Chinese immigrants, especially those from ing in fifteen Asian. European and North izens. Number four on the list is Roger Tse,

Hong Kong, in a number of urban centres, American cities. It was produced by Nicolas number six is Preston Chan, and number

including Vancouver. Toronto. .Amsterdam. Valcour and Diane Lambin. Available in both seven is Michael Lok. All hold Canadian

Paris, New York. San Francisco, and London. French and English, the film is also being passports. Of the other five on the list, two As well as cultural events, the film fea- translated into Cantonese and Mandarin for have applied for permanent residence in

tures interviews by well known figures and showing in 1993 on Channel 47 in Toronto. Britain: one has an American passport, one

specialists in political, academic, cultural, For more information, please contact the dis- an Australian, and one a Singaporean pass-

and business fields. These include Prof. tributors: Dominique Valcour, Voie Numero port. The list is soon to be shortened: Victor Graham Johnson (UBC). Louis Leblanc Un, Montreal (514-521-1984, ext. 331) or Li will many a University of British (Montreal). Andrea Eng (Vancouver). Danny Bruce Raymond, Raymond International, Columbia graduate. Gaw. James Cleave, and Alan Wong. Several Toronto (416-340-0130).

UPDATE 15 MEW PROJECT PUBLICATIONS Canada and Hong Kong Papers:

No. 1 : Politics and Society in Hong Kong towards 1997, Charles Burton, ed, 1992. $12

No. 2: Canada-Hong Kong: Some Legal Considerations, William Angus, ed., 1992. $12

Research Papers:

No. 1: Economic Integration of Hong Kong with China in the 1990s, Yun-Wing Sung, 1992. $7

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CANADA M3J 1 P3 CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE 5 Number 9 SPRING 1993

Update on Governor Hong Kong Immigration to Canada Patten's Policy Address by Diana Lary • UBC, Vancouver by Bernard Luk York University, Toronto The number of immigrants from Hong Landings in Canada by class,

Kong who landed in Canada in 1992 was CLPR Hong Kong, 1992

When Governor Christopher Patten deliv- significantly higher than the numbers for Family class ered his policy address. "Our Next Five 1991; 13.440 more people, whose country

Years: The Agenda for Hong Kong." at the of last permanent residence was Hong opening of the 1 992-93 session of the Kong, landed in 1992 than in 1991. This

Legislative Council last October 7. he made represents an increase of 37.5%. two major promises. One was to increase 1988 23,293 government spending to provide better edu- 1989 19,934 cation, health, and welfare services, public 1990 29.029 housing, and environmental protection and to 1991 22.357 maintain law and order. The other was to 1992 35,797 improve political representation of the people Many of these people can be assumed to of Hong Kong with a package of limited con- have put in their applications to come to ;titutional changes. On both counts, he has Canada a year or two before they arrived been severely criticized by the authorities of here, thus getting back to the period of high :he People's Republic of China (PRC). anxiety in Hong Kong after Tiananmen.

Financial Reserves However, the high numbers still suggest a continuing enthusiasm for emigrating to Hong Kong has a large financial reserve. Canada. This becomes clearer if we look at ;stimated at some HKS120 billion (nearly the breakdown by class of immigrant. CDNS20 billion). In spite of low tax rates Substantial numbers of new immigrants md rather comprehensive social pro- appear in the classes with the highest pro- grammes, the government habitually reports a cessing priorities - the family class and the budgetary surplus. To its embarrassment, in three business classes (entrepreneur, self- nany a year the actual surplus at year-end is employed, and investor): ligher than that forecast in the budget.

Update, cont'd page 2

IN THIS ISSUE:

Update on Governor Patten's Policy Address 1

Hong Kong Immigration to Canada 1

Political Row Over Patten's Reforms 4 loe Clark Visits Hong Kong 6 Beijing Update 7

Regional Variations in Hong Kong Immigration 8

Moratorium on Immigrant Investor Program in Manitoba 9

Political Participation of Chinese-Canadians in Toronto 10 ier '1029.5 16 C36 CANADA AND rem in some quarters aboul the unaccustomed Since the earliest stages of the Sino-British So the issue oi the "ihrough train" remained practice of dipping into the sa\ ings account. negotiations in 1982, Beijing has consistently fuzzy, Beijing was hopeful, before Patten

Specific provisions in the budget, however, rejected the "three-legged stool" i.e.. talks appeared on the scene, that certain British offi- attracted considerable criticism from various between three parties: China. Britain, and cials would work to gerrymander the 1995 elec- quarters, particularly with regard to the mecha- Hong Kong. They have insisted that any nego- tions to gel rid of pro-democracy groups like nisms, if not the amounts, of expenditure on tiations must be between the two sovereign the 1 nited Democrats of Hong Kong. 'ITiat was housing, job training, welfare allotments, and powers onlj and that Hong Kong people must part of the reason why electoral provisions for soon. not be allowed a voice at the table or a say 1995-97 were left vague in the Basic law and

Nevertheless, legislators agreed that this was after the deal is struck. That position has been subsequent Sino-British discussions on the a much better budget than in previous years, maintained even after legislative polls have "through train." even though many of them remained dissatis produced popularly elected representatives of What Chris Patten has done is to propose to

it till is fied. On March 3 1 . the last day before the new the people of Hong Kong. Indeed, has been in that grey area in a way that contrary to financial year, the budget was passed, without reinforced, not least because most of the elect- Beijing's expectation of complete control. significant change, by the Legislative Council. ed legislators have condemned the Tiananmen Under the Basic Law, the post- 1997 chief exec-

It was supported by the more moderate conser- massacre. Hence. Beijing's refusal to recog- utive, as well as substantial portions of the leg- vative members (mostly appointed) arid nize the Legislative Council (Legco), to allow islature, would be appointed, directly or indi- opposed by one elected member, while the ethnic Chinese officials of the Hong Kong rectly, by Beijing. Even if all of Patten's propos- largest bloc of elected members, the pro- government to participate in formal negotia- als were realized, there would only be a viable democracy United Democrats of Hong Kong, tions, or permit Legco to have a real vote after opposition in the legislature, never a popularly abstained. Ironically, this is diametrically oppo- any Sino-British negotiation on Patten's pro- elected government. site to the positions of the various blocs on posals. Such refusals have stalled the suggest- However, experience since the first legisla-

Patten*s other proposal, the one on constitution- ed talks. tive elections has shown, as in the case of the al reforms. After the Sino-British Joint Declaration on government budget, that even a democratic The harshest and most categorical attack on the future of Hong Kong was concluded in minority bloc in the legislature, with no the budget came from the North. Intermittently 1985 and when the transition period for the prospect of gaining pow er. could open up the since October, the New China News Agency handing over of sovereign authority from political process very considerably to public and the Hong Kong and Macau Office of the Britain to China began, it became apparent to scrutiny and influences of the popular will.

State Council have been accusing Patten of cur- all concerned parties that in the interest of con- This. Beijing and its ultra-conservative allies in rying favour with the people of Hong Kong by- tinuity and stability, it w ould be beneficial for Hong Kong clearly do not want. mortgaging the future of the post- 1997 govern- the legislature, if not the executive, of Hong If there is to be no "through train." Beijing ment, of Western-style pork barrel politics, and Kong to straddle 1997. This is the idea of the w ould set up a "second stove" (distinct from the of spending Hong Kong money to benefit "through train." which would allow legislators "British stove") to cook the feast of the transfer

Britain. The latest attack came in the form of a elected in 1995 to continue to serve until 1999. of sovereignty. This again is an idea that has seminar paper by two senior policy analysts in albeit in an assembly under a different consti- been discussed for years. It means for a the State Council in Beijing. Delivered at a con- tution (i.e.. the Basic Law). The "through preparatory committee to be set up one or tw o ference on the Hong Kong-Macau economy train" w ould be acceptable to PRC authorities, years before 1997, to hold consultations and held in early April, the paper accuses Patten and so long as elected legislators that they disliked elections that would produce the office holders

Macleod of fiscal irresponsibility and inducing could not remain aboard. Indeed, if the British of the post- 1997 government. The committee

inflation. authorities would only cooperate in the name would likely consist of a few hundred members

The budget is a strictly domestic matter and of continuity to disqualify certain types of per- appointed by Beijing, some from Hong Kong does not straddle 1997. However much Chinese sons from running for the Legislative Council and some from the PRC. and would meet and

leaders in Beijing may dislike it, they could not in 1995, the issue could be used to install a operate in China.

stop the popular measures from being adopted in legislature entirely to Beijing's liking, two During the current squabble, the "second

Hong Kong. Thus, Patten has been able to live years before the transfer of sovereignty. stove" was first brought up as a possible last

up to this promise without too much difficulty, Continuity and stability are favoured by resort by Beijing officials in October. However,

but not so with the constitutional proposals. community consensus, across political lines, they have remained non-committal, at least in

but not at any cost. Where the British were public. In recent months, the most vocal propo- Political Reforms concerned, many senior officials had been pre- nents for an immediate set up of a "second Beijing's heavy handed and vociferous pared to comply with Beijing's wishes to the stove" have been pro-Beijing elements in Hong opposition to Patten's proposals for limited extent of restricting democratic development Kong who. in spite of high personal profiles, increases to popular representation in the Hong in Hong Kong. However, they were not ready- would enjoy little access to power in a Kong legislature has made headlines around the to go further and dismantle the rule of law by, "through train" arrangement. Most other politi- world several times during the past five months. say, disbanding legally incorporated pro- cally active persons in Hong Kong or in the It is well covered elsewhere in this issue of the democracy groups. They were also wary of the PRC, of whatever political stnpe. remain cau- Update (see 4-7) and need not be detailed pp. political risk of disenfranchising popular tious about the idea.

here. However, it may be useful to explain some groups and leaders that enjoyed broad, if During the last week of March, the National of the jargon, mostly coined in the PRC. which loosely organized, support in the community. People's Congress, then in session in Beijing, has been quite extensively in the used debate. adopted a resolution to set up the mechanism to

Update, cont'd page 4

UPDATE 3 Update, cont'd from page 3 appoint a committee to prepare for the transfer healthy volumes day after day, and the Hang By early April, the UK, US. and Canadian of sovereignty over Hong Kong. However, the Seng Index has regained all the lost ground governments had all reiterated their support for resolution was couched in very vague and gen- since its precipitous fall in the early winter. The Patten's constitutional proposals. Patten himself, eral terms, and the details were left to be decided quality of life for many people would improve was in Europe and Britain for discussions and bj the Standing Committee of the Congress (i.e., somewhat under the new budget. For all the flak spelled out three conditions for talks with the the parliament of the PRC). While this might from the North. Patten's constitutional proposals PRC: 1 ) that Beijing must not just attack his mean that the first step has been taken towards a still have more supporters than opponents in the proposals but must make counter-proposals;

) for the 1 elections "second stove," it could also be no more than a community, including business people. For 2 that the arrangements 995 gesture to keep alive the threat of such a move. instance, one of the most respected figures in the must be fain and 3 ) that any "through train" ar-

eject of its passengers. It is a far cry from any "shadow government." business community, Mr. Lam Hang-chi, editor rangement must not any Meanwhile, the New China News Agency of the Chinese-language daily newspaper. The The consensus of the community is clearly in and the Hong Kong and Macau Office, two Hong Kong Economic Journal (the Shun Po favour of renewed negotiations between China PRC authorities that do not always see eye to Daily News), in an intermittent series of leading and Britain to resolve the differences, although eye, jointly appointed a second group of Hong articles since October, has been very consistent most Hong Kong people would find it difficult Kong Affairs Advisers, and promised that there in expressing his support for the proposals. He to stomach another secret deal about their future would be more appointments to come. (The first sees these changes as the last chance to maintain in which they would have no say. It remains to group were appointed last year.) The two groups Hong Kong's institutional viability and to realize be seen whether the constitutional proposals, total nearly a hundred prominent individuals the "one country, two systems" formula. gazetted in March despite PRC objections, will from different walks of life in Hong Kong. While some pro-Beijing elements have been be tabled in the Legislative Council in late April Some one-third of them are big business, and advocating radical moves like mass demonstra- or early May. none has spoken out in support of greater tions in Hong Kong against Patten, such sugges- democracy in Hong Kong. The appointments tions have not been endorsed by the PRC At press time, the UK are part of the united front strategy of the authorities or by the most prominent pro-Beijing and have been criti- Hong Kong politicians. The latter do not want to and PRC governments cized in the community as grossly unrepresenta- take any de-stabilizing actions and also might announced they will begin tive. It is unclear on what the Advisers are sup- not be very sure of their own mass support. On posed to advise, or how their opinions would be the other side of the spectrum, pro-democracy negotiations, starting channelled or received. However, if there is to groups also refrain from demonstrations for fear April 22, on arrangements be a "second stove," the Advisers could well of provoking Beijing or of being disrupted by form the more open and public part of it. agents provocateurs. So the dispute remains a for Hong Kong's 1994 and

fireworks, life goes verbal one. In spite of the political 1995 elections. on. The stock market continues to trade in

Political Row Over Patten's Reforms

fry Shum Kwok-cheung Hong Kong

Since Governor Chris Patten advanced his to the JLG for discussion. Three days later China's warning to those British firms which political reforms package in his policy speech the Chinese State Council's Hong Kong and supported Patten's political reform package. 7 October 1992, China launched a series of Macau Affairs Office raised the Sino-British During an interview with a Hong Kong tele-

attacks that recently have become even more dispute to a new intensity by issuing a hard- vision station on 3 January 1993, Lu Ping, vituperative. By threatening to refuse to hon- line statement that the validity of all con- director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs

our contracts after 1997 that were not made tracts, leases, and agreements signed or rati- Office, threatened to set up a consultative

with PRC approval, China has also carried its fied by the British Hong Kong administration committee to advise Beijing on transitional political dispute with Britain into the eco- without China's approval would not be hon- matters. Such a body was regarded as a

nomic arena. Beijing's strategy towards these oured after 30 June 1997. This stern warning "shadow government," and it would hamper

constitutional reforms appears to place politi- was China's attempt to transform the continu- the authority of the Hong Kong government.

cal concerns at the top of its agenda, even ing war of words into action. However, there has been considerable crit- hardline position by Hong though these threats may harm the confidence On December 1 8 the New China News icism of China's and economic development of Hong Kong. Agency in Beijing publicly accused the Kong's legal professionals. Prof. Raymond On 27 November 1992, the Chinese senior Jardine Group of unscrupulously making Wacks. head of Hong Kong University's representative on the Joint Liaison Group money in Hong Kong and China and using Faculty of Law, pointed out that China's (JLG). Gou Fengmin. delivered a stern warn- methods to pursue secret political ends by threat to invalidate contracts and agreements

ing that China might not honour the contract disturbing prosperity and stability in Hong after 1997 would probably violate Article 160 for developing Container Terminal Nine Kong during the transitional period. This of the Basic Law. It stipulates that, "Docu- rights and (CT9) after 1997 because it had not been put move was seen by the Hong Kong press as ments, certificates, contracts, and

4 UPDATE obligations valid under the laws previously in As public opinion on Patten's constitu- force in Hong Kong shall continue to be valid tional proposals fluctuated, there was also and recognized and protected by the Hong some controversy about the results of various

Kong Special Administrative Region, provid- polls. In general, due to Beijing's vociferous ed the> do not contravene this Law" [South opposition, public support of Patten declined

( luihi Morning Post (SCMP). 1 December during November and December, from a high

1992). Moreover, the influential Hong Kong point after his policy speech on October 7.

Bar Association issued a comment refuting From January to February, the decline stabi- the PRC statement on the validity of contracts lized and public support for Patten's propos- and agreements spanning 1997. including als began to increase. [See Table 1 and 3.] CT9 (Container Terminal). The Association argued that since the land required for CT9 Table 1: Should political reforms go ahead even if there is no through train? construction was already approved and grant- ed by the Sino-British Land Commission, Date

China's threats amounted to an abuse of the concept of sovereignty and a contradiction of the letter and spirit of the Joint Declaration [SCMP. 23 December 1992]. Nevertheless, Beijing's continued attacks against Patten's proposals have sapped Hong Kong's economy and confidence. For exam- ple, on 4 December, in response to the con- fused political situation, the Hang Seng index dropped to 4.978, down 433 points. This was the most serious fall in its three-week collapse from 12 November 1992 when the index reached a high of 6.447. During that period, the panic "crash" of the stock market wiped more than HKS300 billion off share prices.

Opinion surveys in late December also showed that the confidence of Hong Kong people had deteriorated largely because of Sino-British political tensions. An annual outlook survey for Hong Kong Standard indi- cated that confidence in the future of Hong

Kong reached its lowest since 1989. Only 15% of 545 respondents expected to be better off in 1993, significantly lower than the 20% at the end of 1989, six months after the June 4 Tiananmen crackdown. These results com- pared with 28% in 1991, 22% in 1990, and 31% in 1988. Another poll was conducted by Survey Research Hong Kong for the South China Morning Post and Ming Pao. This tri-month- ly survey, conducted since 1984, indicated the economic and political confidence index had plummeted to its lowest point in a year. The number of people expressing confidence in the territory's future declined to 67% from 76% in the previous survey, three months earlier. There was a split of opinion over people's preferences for more democracy at the expense of the territory's stability and prosperity. Political Row, cont'd from page 5 pledged date of publication in order to facili- decision to publish his electoral reform bill,

tate the resumption of discussions. However, while 32.8% opposed and 3 1 .8% were unde- since neither side could reach a compromise, cided [SCMP, 20 March 1993]. When asked hopes of immediate talks were shattered. On which side should make the first concession. the following day, March 12, Patten decided 27.4% opted for Governor Patten. 2 1 .9% for to gazette his constitutional reform bill with- China, and 29.9% for both sides. However, it out China's blessing. was clear that Hong Kong people did not Beijing's response was immediate and want secret talks - with 68.15% against and

furious. At the opening of the National only 1 5.7% in favour. People's Congress, Chinese Premier Li Peng By the end of March the gap between severely attacked Patten's decision to publish opinions pro and con Patten's reforms was

the bill. This was the first time a Chinese pre- significantly closer. A survey, conducted by mier had publicly criticized the British the Social Sciences Research Centre of Hong

Government in his work report. At a press Kong University, indicated that only 26.8% conference, Lu Ping declared that Patten of respondents supported Patten's proposals would be condemned in Hong Kong's history while 18.6% were opposed. His margin of as "a man of guilt," and he announced support had been reduced to 8.2%, the nar-

Beijing would have to make its own arrange- rowest ever reported since December of last ment for the post- 1997 government and legis- year (see Table 4).

lature, the so-called "second stove." The Both China and Britain accused each

British Government reiterated its support of other of insincerity. Neither side appeared Governor Patten and complained that China's able to offer concessions that would allow stance was "too tough." talks to proceed. This situation reflected fun-

Public opinion in Hong Kong was further damental cleavages between China and

divided in March over the failure of the Britain which made any concessions difficult.

resumplion of Sino-British talks. Recent sur- For Beijing, a prerequisite for resuming talks veys demonstrate the increasing prevalence was Patten's suspension of publication of the of mixed feelings and even cynicism among bill and the withdrawal of his political Hong Kong people. According to a poll com- reforms. missioned by the South China Morning Post, 35.3% of respondents supported Patten's

Table 4: Beijing Update

by Christina Mungan Beijing

As evinced in the official Chinese press Daily warned, "If the British Government is "Even though the Hong Kong governor's

(the China Daily and People's Daily), rela- bent on its own way by refusing to return to political reform plan brought about difficul- tions between the Chinese and Hong Kong consultation and co-operation as stipulated ties for Sino-British co-operation ... the governments remained frosty this winter, in the Joint Declaration, then China will Chinese side holds that the two sides should with few signs of a "thaw" this spring. From have no alternative but start (sic) all over 'sit down and talk.'" In another article the November through March, press coverage of again after 1997." In an otherwise identical same day in China Daily, a Foreign Ministry the constitutional proposals of Governor article, this line did not appear in the spokesman "declined to comment on specu-

Chris Patten was very hostile. The proposals People's Daily lations that China is negotiating with to develop Hong Kong's representative insti- At the same time, what the Chinese Britain" over Patten's package but added tutions were portrayed in the Chinese media media did not report revealed almost as that "China always calls for consultation and as a wanton rejection of the Basic Law and a much about the government's attitude. The co-operation between the two sides." scheme to build up Patten's personal reputa- press failed to mention that Beijing was The next day. along with other cheery tion at the expense of the economic stability. stonewalling Patten's requests to return to news for the Olympic Inquiry Committee unity, and lasting happiness of Hong Kong. negotiations or offer alternative proposals. due to arrive in Beijing, a small article on

However, the seeming intransigence with In fact. Chinese readers, relying solely on the front page of China Daily quoted Patten which officials at every level of the Chinese the official press, would have had no idea informing Legco that "exchanges" in government announced that they would not what points of the Basic Law Patten pro- Beijing had already resolved most points of discuss the matter until Patten renounced his posed to clarify by his democratic reforms. dispute in preparation for formal Sino-

"antagonistic attitude" [China Daily. Dec. After early December however, the British talks. The People's Daily never con-

12] covered real shifts in approach. A low Chinese Government adopted a different firmed that any exchanges had occurred, was reached in early December when tactic, and the carrot replaced the stick in which might have been enough in itself to

Beijing threatened to repudiate after 1 997 Beijing's press campaign against the propos- warn of a chill blast to come. not only any changes to the Basic Law but als. A succession of articles emphasized Two days later China's major newspapers also any debts or business contracts under- Hong Kong's narrow escape from a world- renewed attack on Hong Kong's airport pro- taken by the Hong Kong Government, with- wide recession thanks to its "gradual eco- ject. On March 14 and 15, the People's out China's approval. The latter was in nomic integration with the Chinese main- Daily and China Daily, respectively, devoted response to the "unilateral" award in land [China Daily. Jan. 6 & Feb. 12]. The nearly a full page - out of only eight pages November of contracts related to Hong head of the New China News Agency in available - to lambasting Patten for demand- Kong's new airport construction. Hong Kong and Singapore leader Lee Kuan ing the inclusion of Hong Kong officials in The day after condemning the awards, Yew were quoted as saying that a stable any Sino-British talks. both the People's Daily and China Daily business climate would benefit Hong In one memorable phrasing, when Patten warned on December 1 that "Britain's Kongers more that the illusory promises decided to publish his reform package over administrative power over Hong Kong will held out by Patten with his "ulterior Chinese protest, the China Daily [March 16] terminate on June 30, 1997." Lest readers motives." denounced the move as indicating "that the miss the point, the articles continued: "con- By the end of February, China had also British side is without sincerity in approach- tracts, leases and agreements signed and rat- adopted a more conciliatory approach on ing the talks on the issue, prompting people ified by the Hong Kong British Government other matters. The Government compro- to question its creditability [sic] in its hon- that are not approved by the Chinese side mised on a sore point with Hong Kong trav- ouring of international commitments." will be invalid after June 30, 1997." ellers and eliminated its new random AIDS Ironically, three days later it was the Chinese

While the press invective over airport testing at the border. On March 5. Beijing who warned that Sino-British trade links contracts subsided, less than two weeks later even seemed to back down from the earlier might be imperiled by the dispute. As March China Daily - though not the People's Daily demand that Patten drop his political pro- drew to a close, the National People's

- suggested that the Basic Law, like the air- posals before talks could resume. Congress made a point of reiterating opposi- port and container port-related contracts, In a front page story in the People's tion to Patten's proposals on a daily basis, might simply be repudiated after 1997. On Daily. Li Peng told representatives of Hong and improved relations with Britain seemed its front page, 1 1 December 1992, China Kong's General Chamber of Commerce. a more distant prospect than ever.

UPDATE 7 Regional Variations in Hong Kong Immigration

by Diana Lary UBC, Vancouver

When potential immigrants apply to come to Canada, they state immigration to Ontario. The slight decline in the proportion going to places their intended destination in Canada. Immigrants who are accepted are Toronto is probably explained by a trend towards settlement in not required to stay in the stated destination after they arrive, unless immediately adjacent to Metro Toronto. pattern of urban concentration their application is conditional on doing so, as with certain categories There is an even more pronounced of employment. This lack of a firm requirement means that the state- in British Columbia. In 1988,4,965 of 5,188 landings in British in 1989, of 4,849 ment of intended destination is not an absolutely accurate indication of Columbia were in Vancouver (95%); 4,661 (96%); actual settlement. However, as the only indication immigrants give of and in 1990. 7,471 of 7,660 (97.5%). In 1991 the figures for and in 1992, 8,664, or 95%. where they may settle, it is the best available figure for the distribution Vancouver were 6,054 (96%), of immigrants within Canada. Permanent residents admitted from Hong Kong, by urban area Over the past four years, the largest proportion of immigrants from Hong Kong has been destined for Ontario, with the second place con- sistently held by British Columbia:

Major provincial destinations, immigrants CLPR Hong Kong

Ontario B.C. Quebec

1988 Immigration class by 1

Political Participation of Chinese-Canadians in Toronto

by Sonny Lo Toronto

Toronto's Chinese-Canadians have par- Ng has been very active in campaigning for participating in the forthcoming federal ticipated in politics by organizing pressure support in the Chinese community. elections and that three candidates have groups, contacting government officials, Another Chinese-Canadian, Ben Eng, received their party nominations. and voting or running in local elections. recently received (March 23) the nomina- Regardless of their success in election to the One such active pressure group in Toronto tion of the Progressive Conservative Party House of Commons, their participation has is the Chinese Canadian National Council (PC) in Scarborough-Agincourt riding. He already not only symbolized the integration for Equality [see Update, Spring 1991, is a 42-year old former sergeant in the of Chinese-Canadians into mainstream

political life, but also an important 4:13J, which articulates the interests of seg- metropolitan police force for eleven years. marked ments of the Chinese community. Since his decision to participate in the forth- chapter in the political history of the For example, the CCNC often demands coming elections, many leaders in the Chinese community in Toronto. that the federal government redress the Chinese community have expressed their issue of the head tax, which was imposed support. However, Eng's affiliation with the on every Chinese immigrant from the 19th PC may be a liability as the Tory party is Several of the newly nominated Chinese- to mid-20th century [Sing Tao, 19 January unpopular among many electorates. It also Canadian candidates for federal elections 1993, p. 7]. Recently, the Council lobbied remains to be seen if Eng will be able to have connections with Hong Kong, so we Employment and Immigration Canada and mobilize the ethnic support of have featured interviews with some of urged the federal government to consult the Scarborough's Chinese community, whose them: Ben Eng and Winnie Ng of the Metro opinions of ethnic groups before the imple- political awareness and orientations have Toronto area and Raymond Chan of mentation of changes in policy proposals. not been hitherto studied by researchers. Vancouver. Tommy Tao, who also came One such change generating Council con- The third ethnic Chinese candidate is from Hong Kong, is the NDP nominee from cern was the proposal that immigrant spous- David Lu, who was nominated February 1 Vancouver Quadra and will he interviewed es who marry Canadian citizens or landed by the NDP in the Don Valley North riding. for the next issue. immigrants return to their country of origin Lu immigrated to Canada as a refugee from in order to apply for landed status. Vietnam in 1979 and is presently an advisor

Contacting government officials at the in the municipal government's Labour municipal level is another important form of Consultation and Action Centre [Sing Tao, Chinese political participation. A good 12 February 1993, p. 2]. example of this municipal involvement was According to Lu. in September 1992 the recent February meeting between city NDP headquarters encouraged members of officials and shopkeepers from the Spadina/ ethnic minorities to participate in future Dundas Chinatown area. To alleviate refuse federal elections. As a result, he wrote an problems, Chinese store owners urged gov- open letter to 200 NDP members in Don ernment officials to consider collecting Valley North, expressing his intention to garbage from Chinatown three days rather seek the party's nomination. In subsequent than only two days per week. letters to these party members, he outlined Many Chinese-Canadians have also his political platform, which includes oppo-

actively participated in Toronto's elections sition to the Free Trade Agreement between

at the federal, provincial, municipal, and Canada, the U.S., and Mexico; a demand school board levels. As the Chinese popula- for the federal government to provide more

tion in Metro has grown considerably since jobs for Canadians; and an increase in taxes

the late 1980s, these new eligible voters on large business enterprises. have become the lobbying target of Like the other two candidates, Lu has Chinese-Canadian candidates in the forth- appealed for support from the Chinese com- coming federal elections. munity. As an executive member of the To date, three candidates of Chinese Vietnamese-Cambodia-Laos-Chinese background have been nominated to run in Services Organization of Ontario since the next federal elections. With the retire- 1983. Lu will secure the support of the

ment of MP Dan Heap from political life, association's members in Toronto. The main

his assistant Winnie Ng was nominated as question is whether he can defeat his oppo- the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate nents by securing enough votes across eth-

in the Trinity-Spadina constituency, a nic lines in Don Valley North. stronghold of the NDP in past federal elec- It is a significant phenomenon that more Ben Eng tions. Since the party nomination, Winnie Canadian Chinese in Toronto are actively

10 UPDATE Ben Eng: PC Nominee for Scarborough-Agincourt

by Janet A. Rubinqff Toronto

Ben Eng. a 42-year old former police arena and win back the trust of ordinary citi- head tax on an individual basis but did advo- sergeant, was nominated March 23 as the zens for their elected representatives. cate negotiations with the federal government Tory candidate for the Scarborough- Asked about his campaign strategies, Mr. and the establishment of an endowment fund.

Agincourt riding. Composed of diverse ethnic Eng stressed the importance of mobilization Concerning the issue of human rights in groups, this suburban riding includes approxi- of support and voter outreach. While there are China, he looks forward to hearing the posi- mately 100,000 residents, about 20% of many recent immigrants in his riding, most of tion of his Chinese constituency. In general.

whom are ethnic Chinese. 25% Anglo- these are already citizens but many are not he said that "we can't forget the lives at Canadian, and 55% other groups including registered to vote. He sees a major challenge Tiananmen." but at some point. "Canada also

Greek. Afro-Canadian, and South Asian. in reaching these new citizens and encourag- had to increase its interaction with China." Many of the Chinese residents are recent ing their involvement in the local political Ben Eng feels that the number of Chinese-

immigrants from Hong Kong. process. Asked about plans for his constituen- Canadian candidates now running is an indi-

Ben Eng is a well-known figure in cy. Ben indicated that he favoured more par- cation of the "political maturing of the

Toronto. As a member of the Metro Toronto ticipatory democracy at the local level and Chinese community," which has taken its

Police Force and Officer of the Year in 1 989. greater involvement of citizens. He plans to place in mainstream political life. It has been he served with the Asian Crime Squad and in set up a "constituency parliament." to provide twenty years since anyone of Chinese descent the Public Affairs Department. Two years a forum for the discussion of local and served at the federal level. The newer wave ago, he made headlines over differences w ith national issues. of Chinese and Hong Kong immigrants have

Susan Eng. Chair of the Police Services In response to our question about his nom- established themselves in Canada, and the

Board, about the release of crime statistics by ination by the Progressive Conservatives, he older Chinese community now has many con- ethnic background. He now heads a consult- mentioned that he had been approached by nections and is more centralized in its identi- ing business, Falcon Filmworks and Multi several parties, including the Liberals and the ty. Ben feels that people like himself. Bob

Eyes Student Sendees, which provides a cri- Reform Party. His father. Hughes Eng, is an Wong, and Citizenship Judge. Gordon Chong sis intervention service for visa and immi- active member of the provincial Liberal - who are of Chinese descent but grew up in grant students and their parents, many of Party. As Ben admits, it would have been an Canada, articulate a "westernized way," and whom are from Hong Kong or Taiwan. easy route for him to run as a Liberal since are integrated in mainstream Canadian life -

On March 26. Bernard Luk and I inter- there was already an established Chinese have a unique role to play as a bridge view ed Mr. Eng to discuss his background, group, headed by former Ontario Minister of between the older and newer Chinese- his position on various issues, and plans for Energy Bob Wong, within the party. Canadian communities. his upcoming election campaign and for his However, he felt his philosophical leanings Ben sees himself more in this role as a riding. Asked about his platform. Ben and political thinking were closer to the con- bridge between cultures rather than an ethnic stressed his main concerns are the economy servatives. He thus accepted the offer to run Chinese candidate. As a Canadian-raised and and, what he terms, "social law and order." as a PC candidate in Scarborough-Agincourt. trained police officer for many years, he is

By the latter, he means not only safety of the Asked about the issue of "tokenism" as an well known by the immigrant Chinese com- community but concern with abuse of social ethnic Chinese candidate, he indicated that he munity. assistance programs, strengthening of the felt this was not a problem, though he had In answer to a question about the possibil-

refugee process, tightening criminal proce- been approached to oppose Winnie Ng in the ity of an Anglo "backlash" against ethnic dures, and a focus on the responsibilities and Trinity-Spadina riding. He prefers not to be candidates, Ben replied that it was more like- contributions of Canadian citizens to their labelled an "ethnic candidate" and identifies ly to be a political, rather than ethnic, reaction country. His perspective and experience as a himself first and foremost as a Canadian. by voters against unpopular incumbents and police officer has obviously influenced his However, he is aware of his Chinese roots their policies. He felt the fact that both he as a political positions. and feels that over the years he has forged an Tory and Winnie Ng (NDP) were running on In his nomination acceptance speech, Ben identity based on "bi-culturalism," like many opposite sides would defuse the "Chinese- emphasized that it is time for a "new style of other immigrants. He speaks Cantonese and ness" of any issue. Most Canadians are very

politics" and a new attitude by ordinary Toishanese (Pearl River Delta dialect) and familiar w ith the Chinese community, and

Canadians. "We Canadians have to stop this has also made the effort to learn Mandarin. people are basically comfortable with the suc-

attitude of take, take take, and not putting In response to a question on the possibility cess of the Chinese. He concluded that how

anything back in. This 'new attitude' must of his "entrapment" by special political inter- much each candidate used or flaunted his

not only reflect appreciating what we have est groups within the Chinese community, "Chineseness" or focused on singularly but also how we as individuals can contribute such as Taiwan or PRC proponents, he also Chinese concerns, like redress of the head to ensure that Canada remains ranked by the did not feel that would be a problem for his tax, was up to him/her. For his part. Ben

United Nations as the best place in the candidacy. Regarding specific questions intends to keep his campaign centred on

world." about his position on issues related to the Canadian issues, such as the economy and

In his campaign, he hopes to transfer his Chinese community like the head tax, he law and order.

integrity as a police officer to the political stressed that he did not support redress of the

UPDATE 11 Winnie Ng: NDP Candidate for Trinity-Spadina

Ms. Ng, well-known in the community affect her campaign, Ms. Ng hopes to recon- for her work in the labour and anti-racism cile some of these differences by staying movements, has been nominated to run as above local disputes within the community. the federal NDP candidate in the Trinity- Regarding the head tax issue, she supports Spadina riding of Toronto. She replaces Dan government redress to the individual victims

Heap, M.P. (NDP) who retires this year. of this tax, in addition to the establishment of Encompassing the University of Toronto to an endowment fund for the community as a working class neighbourhoods, this down- whole. She feels it is important for the gov- town riding is one of the most ernment to negotiate with the victims as a linguistically and culturally diverse in the gesture of good will. city, including Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese As a Canadian candidate. Ms. Ng does not and Portuguese groups. Bernard Luk and I see herself becoming embroiled in Taiwan-

interviewed Winnie Ng for this article on PRC political issues. She strongly supports a March 30. development model which respects human

Though she was born and grew up in rights and democracy - not just for Taiwan or

Hong Kong, Ms. Ng is of Hokkien back- China but for all areas of the world. An ground. Her parents were originally from admirable part of Canadian identity is the

Fujian province in China. She is fluent in country's current position on human rights. Winnie Cantonese, Mandarin and Hokkien, as well as Ng She feels Canada's emphasis on basic human English and some French. the majority are from the PRC. rather than rights should be extended not only externally

She first came to Canada in 1968 as a high Hong Kong, or ethnic Chinese from Vietnam. to include its relations with the Third World school visa student and spent two years in Of the approximately 97,000 residents in the but also internally to improve conditions for Victoria, B.C. Graduating with a B.A. in riding, only about 20% of them are of Native Canadians. Sociology from McGill. she married and Chinese background. From the issue of human rights, we asked came to Toronto in 1975. She landed her first As a member of the New Democratic about how she would chart the course of job in 1975 at University Settlement House Party, Ng's political stance as a workers' racism in Canada, its rise and decline. Winnie where she worked for two years and helped advocate is well known. She is also familiar answered that there had been some definite establish the first English classes for immi- to the residents of the riding, from all ethnic progress against more blatant forms of dis- grant workers. She later became the first groups, since she has lived and worked in the crimination, especially since the 1940s when Chinese-Canadian union organizer with the community for over 18 years. Chinese-Canadians could not vote. However, International Ladies Garment Workers Union. We talked about the prospect of the today there are more subtle forms of racism

As early as 1976, she and her husband provincial NDP government being a liability which must be challenged; "we can never be helped in the election campaigns of Dan to her federal election campaign. Her complaisant about this progress." She sup- Heap, and she has been involved in local response was that her campaign emphasized ports more anti-racism programs that empha-

NDP politics ever since. federal rather than provincial issues - particu- size equality, respect and understanding

In response to our question, "Do people larly, economic issues like opposition to the between different peoples. She also favours try to identify you as 'the Chinese candi- North American Free Trade Agreement legislation to break down systemic barriers to date'," Winnie conceded that some do. (NAFTA) and its effect on Canadian jobs. equality in Canadian society.

However, she emphasized that her support Her campaign motto is "jobs and justice." She envisions "prospects for more funda- also included the women's and labour move- She admitted the election could be very mental change" in the future and a broader ments, in addition to her support from the close and would basically be a two-way race national commitment to multiculturalism, Chinese community. She mentioned the need between Liberal and NDP candidates. what she terms "the celebration of Canada's to make a broader appeal than Chinese votes Trinity-Spadina was traditionally a Liberal multi-heritage." In particular, "the House of since her riding is so diverse. riding until Dan Heap won by a narrow mar- Commons should reflect the gender balance

Even the local Chinese community in her gin in 1981. Since then the elections for MP and the cultural diversity of Canada." This is riding is not homogeneous and includes both have always been close. the vision she feels Canadians must work old established residents and new immi- Questioned about how conservative-liber- towards. grants. Many of the latter are not yet citizens; al splits within the Chinese community might

12 UPDATE Raymond Chan: Hong Kong and the Liberal Party Candidate US-China Most Favoured Nation Issue in B.C.

In Hugh X. Tan With the approach of June and the begin- States. Two 1990 US government studies Vancouver ning of summer, we can expect to see repre- estimated that loss of MFN status would sentatives and senators in the US Congress result in significant tariff increases on 90' i of On 29 November 1992. Raymond Chan raising the issue of China's Most Favoured Chinese exports to the LIS and a loss of about won the federal Liberal Party nomination for Nation (MFN) status with the United States. $3 billion in Chinese exports.

Richmond, B.C. In a close vote. Chan defeat- Hong Kong has been caught in a recurring This would have a profound impact on the

ed ibv onlj 250 votes) the second-ranked debate between the US and China on this Hong Kong shipping and handling industries, candidate. Herb Dhaliwal. an Indo-Canadian issue since 1989. The territory's vulnerability as well as other services and commercial businessman and vice-chair of B.C. Hydro. in this perennial dispute reflects the impor- infrastructure. More significant would be the At the time there was considerable controver- tance to Hong Kong not only of its interna- impact on Hong Kong companies which have

sy over the issue of allow ing non-residents of tional trade position, but also of its trade and moved to or established manufacturing facili- Richmond riding to vote - a practice permit- investment relationship with China and the ties in South China. These manufacturers

ted under Liberal Party rules, although an growing fusion of the South China and Hong would suddenly lose their competitive posi-

attempt was made to change it in mid-stream. Kong economies. To a certain extent. tion in the United States market.

Mr. Chan, who emigrated from Hong Canadian exports to China could also be MFN status is reciprocal, which means Kong in 1969 and became a Canadian citizen caught in the crossfire between the US and that non-renewal of this status would also in 1974. is an engineer at the TRIUMF Beijing. have an impact on US exports, as they would

Centre and former chairman of the MFN status is a fundamental element of be subject to a 209c tariff. While the US is an Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic the trading relationship between the two important source of technology for China, the

Movement (VSSDM) [see Update. 5: 15]. countries. Since it was granted to China in bulk of China's imports from the United

Having completed grade 1 2 at Vancouver 1980, it has given the PRC the lowest avail- States still consists of grain, semi-manufac- Technical Secondary School, he received a able tariffs on its exports to the United States. tured goods, and some equipment which Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering China's MFN status must be renewed by could be imported from other sources, includ- Physics from the University of British Presidential waiver annually, and this must be ing Canada.

Columbia and has worked at TRIUMF for approved by Congress. The importance of this issue to Hong the past 14 years. Until 1989 and the killings and repression Kong is something which unites the leading

Raymond Chan first entered local politics of Tiananmen, this was a formality. Since elements in Hong Kong politics. When the in 1989 when he organized and was founding then, however, this issue has been linked to issue first arose in 1990. the governor of chairman of the VSSDM. During his three human rights issues in China, and representa- Hong Kong at the time. Sir David Wilson, year term, he made many contacts with offi- tives in the United States Congress pressured wrote to the United States Congress urging cials at three levels of government, and he former President George Bush to abrogate them to approve renewal of China's MFN became aware of the lack of representation this arrangement. Presidential veto of status. Leading Hong Kong politicians, by Asian Canadians. For example in the par- Congressional legislation has been used to industrialists, and economists warned of the liament, there were no M.P.s from the over continue China's MFN status. impact of loss of MFN status on the territo- 800.000 Chinese-Canadian population. He For the United States Congress, the issue ry's economy. They predicted a massive flow felt that as a result, mainstream Canadian is more than a political statement about of investment out of Hong Kong to Southeast society had little knowledge of Asian coun- human rights issues in China. China's bur- Asia, especially Singapore. Even former US tries or of the Asian communities in Canada. geoning trade surplus with the United States, Ambassador Winston Lord added his voice to

In order to change this situation. Mr. Chan estimated to be at least SI 2 billion this year. this chorus. decided to run for the federal Liberal Party has also created resentment within the US. A new President and a new Congress will nomination in Richmond, where Asian- Lobbyists from various American industrial be addressing this issue in June. It may be Canadian communities have expanded rapid- and labour groups have applied considerable that, despite the rhetoric and hyperbole. MFN ly in the past few years. He has been a long- pressure on Congressional and executive status will be renewed for another year. In the time supporter of the Liberal Party and partic- branches. On their side. Chinese leaders hav e meantime. China will attempt to reduce the ularly values its policies on free enterprise also been sending a steady stream of high- irritant of its large trade surplus by giving and multiculturalism. level delegations to the United States to pro- more favourable consideration to United

At present. Raymond Chan is actively mote China's case for continued MFN status. States exports to China for products and com- preparing for the federal election by holding The issue has important implications for modities which Canada is also attempting to fund raising events and advertising his Hong Kong. First of all. China's exports to export. So while the implications for Hong political platform to the 120.000 Richmond the United States through Hong Kong are Kong are important. Canada may also be residents. more than double direct exports to the United affected by this ongoing trade dispute.

UPDATE .

Canada and Hong Kong Sign Environment Agreement

On 8 September 1992, Canada and Hong tinue to build between nations and within Kong signed a four year environmental coop- nations." Secretary Eason declared, "The eration agreement to increase the exchange of Hong Kong Government welcomes the information and technology. The accord was opportunity to participate with the signed in Hong Kong by Canada's Minister of Government of Canada in the bilateral State for the Environment, , Memorandum of Understanding on environ- and Hong Kong's Secretary for Planning, mental cooperation. We also look forward to

Environment and Lands Branch, Tony Eason. sharing information with Canada on its very The agreement calls for the two countries comprehensive Green Plan and our own to develop a program in the areas of environ- White Paper on the Environment." mental impact assessment, public awareness Canada's Green Plan, a six-year, CDN and education, waste management, applica- $3 billion strategy for introducing sustainable tion of clean technology, and atmospheric pol- development in Canada, commits the federal lution, including acid rain and climate change. government to strengthen bilateral environ- At the signing ceremony, Minister Browes mental cooperation. Through the exchange of stated, "Canada is committed to maintaining knowledge and creation of commercial oppor- During her visit to Hong Kong to sign the the momentum of the recent U.N. Conference tunities, this environmental agreement signed Environmental Agreement, the Hon. Pauline on Environment and Development. One of the between Canada and Hong Kong is a step Browes, Minister of State for Environment, requirements for success on a global scale is towards global environmental protection. In visited the Canadian International School, partnerships. The agreement signed today addition, such partnerships stimulate trade in September 1992. exemplifies the teamwork that we must con- environmental products and services.

The Fall of Hong Kong

Memories of the fall of Hong Kong and the lapse in Singapore on the cowardice of the British authorities for sending the Canadian capture of Canadian troops there have been Australian troops. There were loud protests battalions to Hong Kong when they already revived over the past while. Claims in the and counter-claims in Australia. In Canada, knew that this "outpost of Empire" (in the recently released report of Major-General Defense Minister came strongly words of Winston Churchill) could not be

Maltby, the British commander in Hong Kong to the support of the Canadian troops and stated defended. The Canadian troops were, in effect, at the time of the Japanese invasion in that there was no historical basis for the report. condemned to death or imprisonment.

December 1941, that Canadian soldiers were The existing accounts of the fall of Hong The repetition of criticisms of Canadian drunk and cowardly and that they failed to put Kong and the subsequent imprisonment of troops touched a raw nerve, coming as it did so up a strong resistance to the Japanese, have eight hundred Canadian troops have never shortly after other perceived attacks on the been soundly rejected in Canada. The allega- made any mention of cowardice. Instead, they Canadian forces during World War II, in the tions have been seen as the attempt of a defeat- describe the impossible task the soldiers were CBC television series the Valour and the ed commander, who suffered the humiliation of given. The troops, from the Winnipeg Horror. The Hong Kong story found surviving surrendering to the Japanese on Christmas Day, Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles, arrived in Canadian veterans in fighting spirit to defend to shift blame for the defeat onto other shoul- Hong Kong only a few weeks before it came their honour and that of their dead comrades. ders - in this case onto the shoulders of non- under Japanese attack. Hong Kong was almost Sources on the Canadian troops during World

British troops. The report, which has just impossible to defend because of a land border War II include: become available in London under the fifty with occupied China and a long and exposed Philip Bruce, Second to None, Oxford, 1991 year rule, followed the same lines as a recently sea coast. It was also extremely isolated, far Kenneth Cambon, Guest ofHirohito, released report on the fall of Singapore, in away from the nearest Allied forces. Previous Vancouver, 1990. which the British commander blamed the col- accounts of the fall of Hong Kong castigated Carl Vincent, No Reason Why. Sl\tts\i\k, 1991.

CCCHK Selects New Executive Director

Ms Leslie Henderson has been appointed also a qualified secondary school teacher and time staff. There are fifteen committees

the new executive director of the Canadian taught English at the British Council in Hong which range from China Trade to Human

Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. On Kong. She explained that she looks forward Resources to the Entrepreneurs Committee.

March 1 she replaced Heather Allan, who to the "challenge of making events flow The Chamber holds approximately 80 events

worked for the Chamber for 3 years. smoothly and helping people make connec- each year, making it one of the most active

Ms Henderson is a long-term resident of tions through the Chamber." Chambers in Hong Kong. It is the largest

Hong Kong although she spent the last two The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Canadian Chamber outside of Canada.

years in Vancouver as conference coordina- Hong Kong is a non-profit organization with

tor with the UBC Conference Centre. She is approximately 900 members and five full-

14 UPDATE The Right Connection: Government of Ontario Office in Hong Kong

In Anh Truong International Trade Coordinator

Ontario Office, Hong Kong

For many Canadian businesses. Hong Most of the business contacts made in source equity partners, agents, and distribu-

Kong is considered to be the gateway to both Hong Kong occur outside of the office, at tors; and assist in arranging appointments and China and Asia. There are more Canadians liv- business and social functions, either formal or itineraries. Hong Kong companies interested ing in Hong Kong and more Canadian busi- informal. Government representatives offer a in investing in Ontario can equally look for nesses located in the territory than in any other high degree of credibility which enables them the same services provided by the Asian country. With increasing business to interact with high-profile government offi- Government of Ontario. opportunities in China and Southeast Asia, the cials and senior business executives in both While the Ontario office mainly focuses

Government of Ontario Trade Office is contin- countries. The Government of Ontario can its efforts on trade and related business, the ually assisting Ontario companies in taking capitalize on these contacts by linking up staff often handles educational and cultural advantage of trade and investment in some of companies or business people. enquiries from the Hong Kong public. the world's fastest growing economies. With a mandate to promote and strengthen Representatives can also counsel local stu-

In Hong Kong, doing business not only trade, investment, and cultural ties between dents and parents about education in Ontario. means being familiar with the environment, Ontario and Asia, the Government of Ontario Thus, all individuals who are planning to but it is also vital to develop proper contacts. first opened an office in Hong Kong in 1 980. study or immigrate to Ontario are encouraged

This is where the Ontario Government office Initially, the office began w ith one trade rep- to contact this office. For further information, can make a difference to individuals who ven- resentative and two locally-engaged staff. please contact: ture to do business in this region. According to Today there is a team of nine Canadian and The Government of Ontario, Canada

Andrew Szende. Senior Agent for Asia. locally-hired staff, all working to serve the 908 Hutchison House "Hong Kong practices business with an old- needs of businesses and interested parties. 10 Harcourt Road fashioned sentiment; one has to build a trust- For Ontario firms, the staff can help iden- Central, Hong Kong ing friendship before engaging in any busi- tify trade and investment opportunities; pro- Tel: (852) 845-3388 ness. This is why contacts are so important." vide advice about local business practices; Fax:(852)845-5166

Canadian Business Award Launched bv CCCHK

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in is also sponsored by the Hongkong Standard, tions were received by the closing date March Hong Kong (CCCHK) recently announced Hongkong Telecom, the Chinese-Canadian 5. The winner will be announced at the the launch of the Voyageur Award, which is Association, the Canadian Universities CCCHK annual Ball on May 29. designed to acknowledge the achievements Association, and the Canadian Club. The significance of the name "voyageur" and contributions of successful Canadian The objective of this new annual award is is derived from Canadian history. businesses in Hong Kong. Over 35,000 to honour successful Canadian business in "Voyageurs" were people who explored the

Canadians reside in the territory, trading in Hong Kong. It is hoped that by offering such vast territory of Canada, setting up trading over CDNSl .7 billion, and this award was recognition to effective business people, the posts in remote areas. Since then, the term created to recognize the increasing impor- Voyageur award will serve to encourage and has become a metaphor for the exploration of tance of these ties between Canada and Hong cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit for which new grounds - a very appropriate name for

Kong. In addition to the CCCHK. the award Hong Kong is famous. A total of 22 nomina- Canadians forging ahead in Hong Kong.

Publishing in Cantonese: A Clue to Hong Kong Identity?

fry Don Snow Hong Kong

Since 1949 the cultures of Hong Kong and ondarily Chinese. As a number of Hong lies in the written Chinese language. In gener- China have taken very different paths. Some Kong researchers have discovered, many in al, people in China and Hong Kong read and differences, such as those in lifestyle and the territory, particularly younger and better write the same form of Chinese, but over the standard of living, are obvious even to the educated people, have an increasingly strong past few decades more and more articles and casual observer. However, some subtle differ- tendency to identify primarily with Hong books in Hong Kong have been written in ences exist as well. One of the most impor- Kong and its culture rather than with the cul- Cantonese rather than in Mandarin tant of these is a growing sense among people ture of China. (Putonghua).

in Hong Kong that they are first and foremost One interesting aspect of this increasing Cantonese and Mandarin are both dialects just that - Hong Kong people - and only sec- cultural gap between China and Hong Kong of Chinese, so their grammar is very similar

Publishing, cont'd page 16

UPDATE 15 )

Publishing, conl'd from page 16 Mandarin - has facilitated communication media stars, and even popular brand names. and provided a common cultural core. In short, Cantonese dialect literature in Hong and there is also much shared vocabulary. People in different parts of China may Kong is unique in the extent to which it has However, the vocabulary differences between speak differently, but they have traditionally become an in-group conversation, markedly the two are quite significant, particularly in learned to read and write the same language local in both its language and content. the colloquial registers. It is primarily this in school and have read the same books, The significance of Cantonese literature in lexical difference which distinguishes written newspapers, and magazines. Of course, Hong Kong should not be over-estimated. Cantonese from written Mandarin. dialects have historically made an impact on Schools in the territory only teach standard Virtually all Hong Kong newspapers have literature in many parts of China, particularly written Chinese, and Hong Kong publications at least one or two articles daily in Cantonese, in the Wu dialect region around Suzhou and are still dominated by the standard written and Hong Kong's best-selling newspapers - Shanghai. However, such "dialect literature" language. Many people in Hong Kong also the Oriental Daily, Sing Pao and Tin Tin has been written primarily in standard written look down on written Cantonese as an inferi- Daily News - have considerably more. Chinese, with only a small admixture of or language, arguing, at least publicly, that its Cantonese articles are also found in many dialect vocabulary. use should be discouraged. There is, there- Hong Kong magazines, and Cantonese is In contrast, since 1949 much Cantonese fore, little likelihood that written Cantonese often used in popular paperbacks, such as the literature in Hong Kong has come to use so will soon - or ever - replace standard Siu Nam Yan Chou Gei (Diary of a Little much uniquely Cantonese vocabulary that it Chinese as Hong Kong's written language. Man) series of the late 1980s. is not intelligible to someone who does not However, given the importance of written The significance of this development lies speak Cantonese. Like Hong Kong television Chinese as a symbol of China's culture, the in the importance of the written Chinese lan- programs and films, Cantonese literature has growth of an exclusive regional Chinese writ- guage as a symbol of a unified Chinese cul- also come to draw heavily on modem Hong ten language and literature is an interesting ture. While China has always had a variety of Kong life for its subject matter. Writers often indicator of the degree to which the culture of mutually unintelligible regional dialects, the assume that readers will have intimate knowl- Hong Kong has developed an identity and life use of a unified standard written language - edge of the territory's current events, places. of its own. in the past, classical Chinese and now written

Comparisons Between Hong Kong and Canadian University Women

by May Partridge Victoria, BC

My recent research on university-educated 1 investigation in more than one field of occu- changing fields once an occupational niche is women in Hong Kong and Canada compares pation; established. They foresee only short interrup- their educational, family, and work strategies. tions in full-time employment. Overall, their 2) more frequent change of jobs; and The study of such strategies has revealed differ- orientation is to career development rather than 3) more "stop-outs" from employment for chil- ences in the two societies which affect women's to career change. For them, the purpose of work dren, travel, further education, relocation of decisions concerning their education, choice of is to make a contribution to one's family and to self or of spouse, and from swings in the occupation, and career patterns. As part of my society. economy. Perhaps most critically, they view Ph.D. research, I have examined case studies of There appear to be four factors which con- the purpose of work in their lives as a way women educated at the University of Hong tribute to these more "committed" strategies. to find themselves, to realize their talents. Kong and Simon Fraser University in British The first is the domestic socialization of many Columbia. An understanding of the differences I have designated Hong Kong university- Hong Kong women where the chief task of educated women's strategies as "committed" in these employment strategies, particularly growing up is seen as becoming able to make a because they appear to take career decisions among Hong Kong women, may indicate some financial contribution to the family. This atti- with a definite "game plan" in mind. This game of the reasons why this group experiences par- tude is rooted in immigrant family experiences three steps: first, getting the job, ticular kinds of frustration when emigrating to plan has good of the struggle to establish a secure footing in a

Canada. with good pay and good prospects; second, in rapidly industrializing society. This struggle led two to years, the marriage; In general, the strategies of work and family three making good to what Janet Salaff [Working Daughters of and then, finally, having children - but only one I found among Canadian students and graduates Hong Kong, Cambridge University Press, 1981] or two, or none. Children are optional, may be described as "exploratory." By contrast, perhaps and other scholars have called the household while marriage generally is not. obverse the strategies shown by Hong Kong female stu- The economy - an arrangement where everyone in dents and graduates may be called "commit- appears to be true for Canadian women. A the household who could work, did so, parents ted." number have doubts about marriage but do as well as older children. All contributions were retain the option that if they are growing older I have used the term "exploratory" to char- necessary and, therefore, in some sense acterize the strategies of Canadian women and still wish to have a child, they may become acknowledged as valuable. Many of my study's single if adoption. because their career decisions appear more ten- parents, even by Hong Kong participants grew up in such house- do anticipate changing tative and there is a tendency to keep their Hong Kong women holds. jobs, but they see such changes as necessary for options open. They indicate more anticipation Moreover, many of the young women I of and action in the following: better opportunities and in order to progress in interviewed experienced a gain in personal sta- their field. They generally do not anticipate tus as it became clear that they would attend

16 UPDATE university. They received more attention from thai Hong Kong University graduates coming These outcomes also prcxeed from their initial their fathers; the> were discussed in glow ing to Canada find it frustrating to encounter certain strategies. terms in family gatherings, as those who would attitudes about their English when thej ha\ e First of all, changes in Hong Kong female have the kinds of jobs that would provide for been clear winners in the language throughout a graduates' strategies are occurring. I did inter- their families well. schooling system whose rewards are still heavi- view some women who were considering

For these young women, obligations to their ly dependent on its mastery. stopouts from employment, either because of natal family do not end w ith their marriage. The third factor contributing to Hong Kong changes in the social construction of mother- Hong Kong does not have the kind of social women's committed employment strategies is hood due to Western influences or because of security network taken for granted by the continued experience of expanding opportu- reappraisal of earlier commitments to a line of

Canadians, and pensions are few and far nities. The roots of this tremendous growth lie work. Hong Kong women meet the glass ceil- between. Therefore, most of the university in the shift of Hong Kong's economy from ing too, and at that point they must decide graduates, especially from working class back- rapid industrialization to a mature service whether to go to a firm which appreciates their grounds, expect to support or help support their phase. In particular, the expansion of govern- talents or start their own business. Or they come aging parents. ment during the 1970s meant a vast wealth of to know themselves better after they have Hong Kong women also seek to maintain new jobs in education, health care, social work, accomplished the "good job, good marriage, their status within their marriage through their and public administration. These fields continue nice kids" goal and look back to the other ambi- continued economic contribution to the house- to grow. In addition, the financial growth of tions they laid aside to succeed in an ever-nar- hold. Their incomes can make a certain kind of Hong Kong during the 1980s (the capitalization rowing channel of educational and occupational lifestyle possible, and they want to be part of of Southeast Asia and Guangdong province) opportunity. Some return to school. Thus. Hong the decision-making about large purchases and has meant an increase of positions in banking Kong women who are at this stage in their lives major investments. In particular, middle-class and business administration. Women are find- may be prepared to shift gears when they come housing is expensive, and their incomes are cru- ing good jobs in all levels of the new and to Canada. They may launch their own explo- cial to acquiring and keeping such accommoda- expanding financial institutions, ranging from rations and eventually find a second career. tion. accountancy to senior management. However, the chances appear greater that the

In addition to learning the rewards of mak- The fourth factor, and an especially impor- female Hong Kong university graduate who ing a contribution to the family. Hong Kong tant one, is the ability to arrange childcare and comes to Canada will experience frustration in university graduates also understand the household help and to feel comfortable with the continuing her career development. She will rewards which come to a winner in the system arrangements. In the first place, there is the find the job market much slower as Canada is and how to capitalize on them - that if one tops accessibility of one's extended family. The tight experiencing a severe recession in business and the group in a particular skill or body of knowl- means that one may government cutbacks in spending have meant edge, one is entitled to expect other rewards, have parents or in-laws living close at hand to fewer and fewer jobs in education, health care, such as promotion and a raise in pay. This atti- give childcare and to provide the evening meal. and social services. Competition for publicly- tude is developed in response to a single-sex, If this is not an option, then there is the geo- advertised jobs is very intense. The frustration highly competitive educational system. graphic accessibility of the Philippines, with its of a tight job market is compounded by the

This system was nurtured in the network of surplus of relatively well-educated female apparent discrimination on the basis of English convent and mission schools initially provided labour. Migrant domestic labour is politically usage that a number of Hong Kong immigrant for girls in Hong Kong, and it still owes much acceptable in Hong Kong, and a household with women have experienced. These are often to these institutions. Although it has its negative two professional incomes can hire a domestic women who have completed university degrees attributes, it encourages young women to com- helper relatively inexpensively. on the strength of their use of English in highly pete strongly for what places are available at Both options are acceptable to the Hong abstract subjects, and to find themselves being university. It also stresses early concentration Kong social construction of mothering. eliminated from consideration for a position on on those academic subjects likely to provide Childcare in the early years is seen as the main- the basis of an accent or a particular style of entrance to good occupational prospects. tenance of physical security and warmth and as usage seems very unfair. Streaming grows tighter and tighter as one pro- the promotion of acceptable behaviour in social Moreover, married women with young chil- ceeds through the system, each set of examina- situations. These concerns are thought to dren find themselves facing the exact same bind tions narrowing the field of choice. Exams require the mother's close monitoring and atten- as do their Canadian sisters - an inadequate determine access to good English language tion to children still at home, but not her contin- range of childcare services and live-in house-

schools in preparation for university, and they ual physical attendance. hold help very difficult to find or afford. These determine acceptance to the arts or science Because of these four factors - the valuing women face, as do Canadian-educated ones,

streams, each branch of which opens only to of all economic contribution to the family, the either the loss of key productive years and the

certain degree programs and, hence, occupa- educational pressure to succeed in a particular chance to better their family's economic stand-

tions. Therefore, those who succeed in this sys- discipline, the knowledge that a good job is ing or massive anxiety about their children. tem become very focused on particular goals. there to develop into a career, and the availabili- These are frustrating circumstances, indeed.

Always the competition in English remains ty of and comfort with household help - Hong Perhaps one way Hong Kong w omen may

in is to recognize paramount. It is the language of instruction at Kong women university graduates are commit- gain a sense of place Canada

the University of Hong Kong, and, thus, the ted to career development. However, if they the difficulties they have now come to share with them for need for its mastery determines the outcome of immigrate to Canada, they may find themselves with their new sisters and to work

all need. many young women's lives. It is little wonder caught up in one of two possible outcomes. the kinds of family support systems we

UPDATE 17 Vancouver Hong Kong Forum Society

The Hong Kong Forum Society, based in Festival, the featured speakers were Hon. For further information on this on-line sys-

Vancouver, is an organization which is just Emily Lau, Legco member, and Dr. Wai Ting, tem and the Society's activities, contact the entering its third year of activities. Most of its from Hong Kong Baptist College. Dept. of President, Eleanor Ng, c/o Alpha Computer, members are people who have immigrated to Communication. In December a seminar was Lower Mall, Harbour Centre, 555 W. Vancouver from Hong Kong and want to held on the dispute over political reforms in Hastings, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 4N4 retain a serious interest in the territory. The Hong Kong [see below]. Among its current (Tel: 604-684-8146; Fax: 604-684-8128) stated purposes of the Society are to enhance activities is the organization of a City Circle economic, social, and cultural exchanges for City Plan, a program launched by the Hong between Canada and Hong Kong, to promote Vancouver Municipal Government. A new Kong international concern over the territory, and to chapter of the Society is now being set up in Employment News sponsor open discussion on Hong Kong and Hong Kong by one of the former Vancouver A new employment and business ser- its relationship with Canada. directors. Alex Chan. news vice for HongKong was recently started in the In its first year of operation the Society The Society has recently set up an electron- U.S. by Business Research Institute (BRI). The organized a campaign, called "Remember our ic bulletin board to discuss Hong Kong issues, first issue of Hong Kong Employment Newswas Hong Kong Roots," in conjunction with the the On-Line Hong Kong Forum. issued in February. This bi-weekly publication 1991 Legco elections in Hong Kong. Last year Contributing members of the system include contains placement news, job openings, and the Forum held a seminar on the potential of the United Chinese Community Enrichment advertisements for Hong Kong and the sur- British Columbia for business immigrants, a Services Society (SUCCESS), Adia Education rounding regions. public session on Bill C-86, the new immigra- Centre, Hong Kong Link (UK), Alliance of BRI also has a daily fax newsletter service, tion legislation, and in July hosted students Hong Kong Chinese in the U.S., Hong Kong the Hong Kong Business Letter, which provides and teachers from Hong Kong Baptist Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, and a concise, up-to-the-minute report on commer- College, who visited Vancouver as part of their Jack Yan, an individual in Los Angeles who cial and financial news from the Far East For Character Development Program. wants to set up a similar bulletin board there. further information on subscribing to these ser-

it the responsible for this In October 1992, also co-sponsored Members management of vices, contact: Charles Mok, Business are President, Peter Vancouver Conference on Hong Kong, one of project Eleanor Ng, Research International, P.O. Box 3721, the major events of Festival Hong Kong 92. At Wilkins, Director, Patrick Tsang of SUC- Santa Clara, CA, USA 95055; fax: (510) 792-2579; the Society's annual dinner, held during the CESS, and Joanne Poon of UBC. Internet e-mail at [email protected]

Seminar on Political Reform in Hong Kong

byHughX.Tan Vancouver

Governor Patten's constitutional reforms Administrative Region under China's Central support of the proposals did not necessarily have attracted much attention from Hong Government, and declared the CRC would not mean support of Governor Patten, she indicat-

Kong immigrants in Vancouver. On support any reform proposal which is not in ed that if Deng Xiaoping raised similar pro-

December 1 2 the Vancouver Hong Kong favour of convergence. She further reiterated posals, the Hong Kong Forum would also

Forum [see above] held a seminar to discuss that people should not lose confidence in Hong welcome that. recent economic and political developments Kong because of the recent political disputes Speakers from the audience predominant- in Hong Kong. Invited speakers, representing and that patience was needed to monitor the ly supported the prososed reforms for Hong different points of view, included Selina developments. Finally, she emphasized that Kong; however, one person took the opposite

Chow Liang Shuk-yee, Hong Kong Legco support from overseas Chinese communities position that as China is the "landlord" of parlimentarian and member of the Hong was very important for Hong Kong. Hong Kong and Britain, the tenant, "a tenant Kong Cooperative Resources Centre (CRC), In contrast. Professor Leung, who origi- should follow the rules set up by a landlord." and Thomas In-sing Leung, Director of nally came from Hong Kong, stressed that In January and February of this year, the

Chinese Studies at Regent College (UBC) in overseas Chinese should support the demo- Hong Kong Forum recently conducted a tele-

Vancouver. The meeting, attended by over cratic movement in Hong Kong since they, in phone opinion survey in Vancouver's Chinese

1 00 people, was chaired by Eleanor Ng, pres- particular, were free from political pressure. community, focusing on the debate over con- ident of the Hong Kong Forum. He also commented that the CRC, while stitutional reforms in Hong Kong. The results In her more conservative speech, Mrs. emphasizing a smooth transition towards revealed that the majority of those who knew

Chow indicated that the CRC hoped that both 1997. seemed to overlook the opinions of about the reforms supported them. However,

China and Britain would return to the negoti- grassroots communities in the territory. surprisingly, over 36% of those Chinese- ations. She emphasized the need for a "con- Representing the Forum's position, Eleanor Canadians surveyed, even those who recently vergence," or smooth transition for Hong Ng, strongly supported the proposals for immigrated from Hong Kong, were unin-

Kong from British rule to Special political reform in Hong Kong. Arguing that formed about the dispute and had no opinion.

18 UPDATE "Passages to Canada"

by Janet A. Rubinqff

On March 4. the Hong Fook Mental Health exclusion act was repealed in 1947. he worked Experiencing the problem of status disloca-

Association of Toronto presented a pro- hard to bring over his family from China, but it tion for main recent immigrants, he had left a gramme. "Passage to Canada." which featured was not until 1968 that his wife and three good job in his field in Hong Kong to find him- the stories of Chinese Canadians, representing daughters finally joined him. He now lives with self first working for $6 per hour in the ware- three different waves of migration - in the his wife in an apartment for senior citizens. house of a tuxedo rental company, in order to

1920s. 1970s and 1980s. The program con- While Mr. Ing spoke in English, it was clear feed his family. He lacked "Canadian experi- cluded w ith a panel discussion on the implica- that he lacked fluency in the language even ence," and after much frustration finally landed tions for emigration of the return of Hong though he had lived in Canada for nearly sev- a job as a data entry clerk on the night shift in a

Kong to Chinese sovereignty and the future of enty years. Some of the questions he was later warehouse on Airport Road. He worked with the territory towards 1997. asked by the audience also had to be translated several other "ladies whose typing skills were

Three speakers related their personal expe- for him into Chinese. His lack of facility with far better than my own." At the time, he men- riences of immigrating to Canada - Cecil Ing. English reflects a time earlier in the century tioned that his moral esteem had "reached a Eric Yu, and Peter Bok. One arrived 70 years when there were few opportunities for Asian low point." To make ends meet, he also took a ago as a poor, uneducated labourer, one came immigrants to improve their education and lan- second job on the weekends, first as a bus boy as a student almost 20 years ago and slowly guage skills or to integrate within the main- and then as a waiter at the Prince Hotel. For established his career here: and the last speaker stream of Canadian life. As he himself three years, he worked seven days per week. only immigrated four years ago and has just explained there were no ESL classes or social Ironically, in Hong Kong part of his social recently found a job in his field. Two of the service organizations in the Chinese communi- work job was counselling prospective emi- speakers were from Hong Kong while Mr. Ing ty to help him adjust to life in Canada. grants who were leaving the territory. Asked came originally from southern China. Each As a young officer with the Royal Hong why he had decided to immigrate himself related a "story" of different challenges, includ- Kong Police Force. Eric Yu explained that he along with his wife and two children, he ing racial discrimination, status dislocation and came to Toronto in the mid-1970s to study civil declared that he was an "opportunist." With no language difficulties, as well as new experi- engineering. Though he felt that he had made friends or relatives in Toronto, he arrived with ences and opportunities. considerable sacrifices and has had to work few contacts and not a great deal of money.

Representing the earlier wave of Chinese extremely hard to get ahead, he stressed that he Finally, a good opportunity arose and he was immigration at the beginning of the century, is "still falling in love with this country." and hired as an employment counsellor at

85-year old Cecil Ing explained that he came to that Canada has much to offer. Settlement House. Thus, it was not until recent-

Canada in 1923 and had to pay a $500 head On arriving in Toronto, he explained that ly that he "could resume his career." tax. He arrived among the last two shipments his biggest problem was communication in The dinner meeting at a downtown vegetar- before passage of the Chinese Immigration Act English. To overcome his language difficulties, ian Chinese restaurant was concluded with a of 1923, which essentially excluded further he watched "a lot of TV. and read local English talk by Peter Chen on the future trends of

Chinese immigration for over two decades, newspapers." He also met many Canadian immigration from Hong Kong and a discussion even for family reunification. friends in high school and later in university w ith all the speakers. Mr. Chen predicted that

Asked why he had left China. Mr Ing who helped him integrate more successfully first of all many of the present astronauts in replied, "to make a better living" and that into Canadian society. His message to the new Hong Kong will return to Canada after 1997.

North America and Canada represented a immigrants from Hong Kong and China is "to Then immigration patterns f o Canada may

"golden mountain." During his years in learn English and to communicate with the change somewhat as Mainland Chinese, per-

Toronto, he worked as a dishwasher in the mainstream." haps with less professional skills and different

1920s for $ 1 2 per week, 15 hours per day and Peter Bok. who is a social worker and a social backgrounds from present immigrants, seven days per week. During the height of the graduate of the University of Hong Kong, was come to Canada via Hong Kong. Mr. Chen felt

Depression, he worked as a waiter for only $6 the most recent immigrant of the three speak- that Canada and Hong Kong would continue to per week. It was not until 1938 that he found a ers. He came to Toronto in 1988 and spoke of be major trading partners after 1997 and that better job as a waiter though "things did not get his difficulties in finding a job and re-establish- immigration levels would remain high. much better until after the war." When the ing his career in Canada.

Briefing on Hong Kong Budget 1993

On March 3. Hong Kong's Financial economy, business prospects, and programme The guests were impressed w ith the eco- Secretary, Hamish Macleod, tabled the gov- of infrastructural developments. nomic progress that Hong Kong has been

ernment budget for 1993-94 in the Legislative The briefing was attended by some one achieving and with the scale of infrastructural

Council. On the same day, the Hong Kong hundred prominent guests from government, and social spending. They also felt encour-

Economic and Trade Office in Toronto held a business, professional, media, and academic aged about the prospects for Canadian partici-

luncheon briefing on the budget at the Royal circles of eastern Canada, as well as members pation in Hong Kong's development projects. York Hotel. of the Hong Kong-Canadian community. A Many useful contacts were made at the meet- Stephen Lam. director of the Office, and lively period of questions and answers fol- ing, and the Hong Kong budget was very well

his colleagues Susan Luke and George Yuen lowed the presentation, and the discussions received in the Toronto press.

presented an overview of the Hong Kong continued over lunch.

UPDATE 19 Cantonese Telephone Info HK Christian Leader DEATH DF 5ILVIH LEUNG Service in Toronto Visits Toronto Silvia Leung, a 22 year old student Cantonese-speaking telephone Kwok Nai-wang, director of the Hong A at the British Columbia Institute of information service went into operation Kong Christian Institute, visited Toronto in Technology, was murdered on recently in Toronto. By dialing a given mid-March as part of a North American tour. January 24 at the Burnaby campus number on a touch-tone phone, one gains He was invited by the Canada China of the college. She was struck in the to wide range of taped information. Programme of the Canadian Council of access a shoulder by a projectile and died of choose to listen to local Toronto Churches to speak on "Hong Kong 1997: a One can blood loss. Silvia was the daughter news; Christian Perspective." news, world news, or Hong Kong of Lawrence Leung, director of the Canadian financial bulletins or the latest Rev. Kwok is an ordained minister of the Hong Kong Immigration about the Hong Kong stock market; local Church of Christ in China and has been Department. weather forecasts; Canadian government active for many years in ecumenical and family information; advice about nutrition, health, social justice work in Hong Kong. He is one The moved to Vancouver in or recreation; short stories for adults or of the best respected community leaders in 1989. Since August last year the children; or a diverse selection of consumer the territory. family has been plagued by acts of information. In 1988 he resigned from his position as vandalism, which included the set- The service was probably inspired by a general secretary of the Hong Kong Christian ting of two fires at their home and of similar service in English offered by the Council, after the executive committee of the the burning a family car.

Toronto Star newspaper, and appears to be Council had consistently tried to acquiesce to Vancouver police have stated that there is unique among ethnic communities in the the restrictive demands from the PRC on rep- no connection between Mr. Leung's position in city. It is free to the consumer and is resentative government, labour rights, and Hong Kong and the murder. financed by advertising. It is supported by nuclear power in Hong Kong. Subsequently, a monthly magazine which is distributed he established the Hong Kong Christian The police also denied reports in free in the Hong Kong-style shopping Institute to promote education for justice, many Hong Kong that police had not malls of Metro Toronto. Some 2,000 peace, and human rights. taken action over the earlier attacks advertisers were listed in the latest issue Last autumn, an ecumenical theological on the Leungs because they were of the magazine. fellowship was formed in Hong Kong, in Chinese immigrants. This denial association with the Institute, to encourage was supported by spokesmen for theological, religious, and philosophical both the Chinese Benevolent reflections and discussions on questions relat- Association and the Vancouver ed to cultural heritage, faith, and democracy. Association of Chinese Canadians. The fellowship includes many members of

Hong Kong's intellectual elite who happen to No one has yet been arrested in the be Christians. case. Silvia Leung had been about to embark on a singing career in Hong Kong when she was killed.

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CANADA M3J 1 P3 If CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE umber 10 m % a m SUMMER 1993

Hong Kong Capital Flows Into Canada Patten's Constitutional by Susan Headers and Don Piltis • Oxford, U.K. Proposals and Sino-

According to the most cynical analysis, admitted. As he stated. 'There is really no way Hong Kong Relations political uncertainly in Hong Kong is only to estimate it because Canada does not require

good for the Canadian economy. The more people to report what they are doing with their by Bernard Luk

troubled the investment climate in southern money." York University, Toronto

China, the more likely it is that money, some- Government statistic-gathering methods

times attached to its owner, will migrate to the may disguise the origin of an investment. Just as the Update was going to press

safety of Canada, stimulating this country's Money brought by immigrants is one of the last April, it was announced that the PRC

economic growth. most important sources of Hong Kong capital and UK governments would hold talks on

Without doubt the numbers, in absolute entering Canada. However, because this money the electoral arrangements for Hong Kong

terms, are substantial. By one official estimate is brought in by someone now 'resident' in towards 1997. Beijing's willingness to

from the Canadian Commission in Hong Kong, Canada, the government considers it domestic engage in diplomacy, rather than strident

as much as CDNS5 billion in Hong Kong capi- rather than foreign capital. If the capital comes attacks on the British side, broke the

tal from all sources flowed into Canada in 1991 from a company or person resident in Hong impasse which had developed over

alone. What is harder to calculate is how much Kong - from the Cheong Kong empire of Li Governor Chris Patten's proposal last

benefit Canada actually sees from that consid- Ka-shing. for example - it shows up as 'for- October to give Hong Kong increased, but

erable amount of Hong Kong money. By 1992. eign' investment on the government's records. still very limited, democracy before the f 69 r of the money invested in Canada under Even so, portions of both 'foreign' and transfer of sovereignty.

the controversial federal Immigrant Investor 'domestic' Hong Kong investment can be esti- The PRC authorities insisted that any

Program was real estate-based, capital that mated with some certainty, revealing that Hong constitutional development in Hong Kong some critics argue creates few permanent jobs. Kong capital has become an important contrib- must be congruent with three previous sets

Moreover, calculating how much Hong utor in the Canadian real estate, energy, ser- of documents produced by the two

Kong money actually arrives and stays in vices, and manufacturing sectors. Although the sovereign powers: the Sino-British Joint

Canada is not easy. The uncertainties stem in economic development impact of this invest- Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong

part from the way in which the government ment remains controversial, the federal govern- ratified in 1985; the Basic Law of the

gathers statistics and. in part, from the com- ment has estimated that immigrant investors - Special Administrative Region of Hong plexity of the investment pattern - something the largest number of whom came from Hong Kong, promulgated by the Chinese govern- Henry Yau of Investment Canada readily Kong - contributed about half of the CDNS3.3 ment in 1990; and exchange of secret

Capital, cont'd page 2 Proposals, cont'd page 2

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hong Kong Capital I Hong Kong Pop Singers 12 Metro-Toronto Week in Hong Kong 17

Patten's 17 Constitutional Proposals and Is Canada Losing Hong Kong Investment? 13 Maintain or Reform: Dispute within CCC

Sino-Hong Kong Relations 1 Tommy Tao: NDP Candidate Closure of Provincial Offices Abroad 14 A Matter of Passports 7 for Vancouver Quadra 19 The Multinational Entrepreneur 1992 Immigration Demographics 8 News in Brief 20 in Shenzen SEZ 15 Anglo-Chinese Confusion 10 UBC Seminar on Hong Kong 21

Hong Kong in the Chinese Press 10 Seminar on Canadian Trade in Southern China "City" by L. Ho 23

Triads: Notes from Hong Kong Press 11 and Hong Kong 16 Basic Reference Works on Hong Kong 24 per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

Editors Investment In mere 0.2' < in the mid-1980s. Its share was still Table 1: Hong Kong Direct (in millions dollars) only a drop compared to the SN3.S billion Canada of

billion (61* i ) held b) US investors and $36.5 Year

27' < hv investors in ( nearly I held European

1991. Hong Kong direct investment is especial- ly strong in real estate, particularly the hotel industry', oil and gas. and manufacturing, where important investments have been made in tex- tiles and electronics, according to government sources. Direct investment includes contributions by Hong kong residents to incorporated real estate, such as hotels or larger commercial property. It does not include foreign invest- ments in unincorporated or privately held real estate, where Hong Kong-resident investors also played a significant role. At the end of 1 99 1 . foreign investors had con- tributed S4.3 billion to privately held real estate in Canada. Approximately S2.6 bil- lion, or nearly 61% of the total, came from Hong Kong-resident investors, according to Frank Chow of Statistics Canada. Bank financing and other leveraging would reveal the total book value of Hong Kong contribu- tions in unincorporated real estate as several times higher. Real estate investments by Hong Kong immigrants would push the total hieher still. Capital, cont'd from page 3 subscribed under the IIP by the end of last year, 1992, a report from the federal Ministerial Task according to Pilote the Business the as part of immigration requirements. Guy of Force on Immigrant Investor Program was part the leaked The bulk of the money comes from business Immigration Branch, now of new to the media and stated that Canada Ministry of Public Security. Southeast Asia is would lose billions of dollars and its reputation immigrants, who include: 1 ) entrepreneurs, or source of investors, if people with business expertise and capital who Canada's major immigrant as a good place to invest the program were with buy or establish a business which they must Hong Kong accounting for 45.2% and not significantly reformed. The report conclud- Taiwan for 42.3% of all IIP participants in ed that "[A] of [IIP] investments manage and which must create at least one job good number 1992. government estimates that the pro- are questionable value." far for Canadians; 2) investors, who are admitted The of and too many under the Immigrant Investor Program, must gram had created direct employment in excess were in real estate. "[R]eal estate investments have a personal net worth of $500,000-700,000 of 10,000 jobs by mid-1991. do not normally create a substantial number of the accomplishments of this 'cash-for- permanent jobs," "most real estate projects and, invest for five years $250,000-350,000 in Despite and an approved business syndicate or a private or visa' program, the IIP has recently come under can be financed through conventional sources." provincial government-administered venture attack from Canadian critics and some immi- Therefore, more effort should be made "to grant investors, the government that are better targeted capital fund; 3) and self-employed individuals, who accuse of ensure funds to job cre- lax private pro- ating sectors who must establish or buy a business in Canada management and some fund of our economy." misrepresentation fraud. report also which creates employment for themselves and moters of and even The Task Force accused the pro- government withdrawn neglecting the capital side contributes to Canada's economic, cultural, or The Manitoba has from gram of human of the program turned the allegations over to economic development, paying too atten- artistic life. and much its Crown prosecutors. Other provincial gov- tion to applicants' money and not enough to Money invested to fulfil the immigration visa

said are their their business skills, It requirements under the Immigrant Investor ernments have they reviewing acumen, and experience. role. Critics note that jobs created under the UP warned. "Although important, financial consid- Program (HP) is the only portion of this immi- have in low- erations should form grant capital which can be quantified with any largely been construction and the alone not the basis for service sector, raising questions about the selection of an investor applicant. Without the certainty. Unlike other investments, those made wage

for factor, it is quite under the IIP are locked in for five years. long-term benefits the Canadian economy. business expertise probable federal government, which recently ini- that one would see the advent of revolving Since the program's inception in 1986, The Hong Kong immigrants have contributed tiated regulatory reforms to tighten up the pro- funds aimed solely at equipping unqualified has also admitted the IIP is in trouble. In approximately 40% of the nearly $2 billion gram, Capital, cont'd on page 6

Proposals, cont'd from page 3

It could only concur on relatively minor Some observers have expressed the concern markets) in various parts of the country, and issues, such as bilateral investment protec- about these two-way investments involving black market rates as well. tion agreements between Hong Kong and PRC officials or their family members. The sharp downturn of the renminbi has Australia and Sweden. Many urgent prob- Last winter, there were allegations that the been watched with grave concern in Hong lems remain outstanding. These include Hong Kong and Macau Office of the State Kong. In addition to trade between the two some one hundred multilateral agreements Council (the PRC cabinet-level agency in territories in goods and services, some of to which Hong Kong has adhered as a charge of Hong Kong affairs) was engaged in which is denominated in renminbi, there are

British Dependent Territory and which joint ventures with capitalists who were privi- other financial dealings which could be would require Si no-British concurrence for leged with insider information about the tim- affected. In the Hong Kong stock market,

Hong Kong to participate beyond 1997 on ing of Beijing's diatribes against Patten, and the share prices of many of the so-called its own. There are also many bilateral agree- were enabled to play the stock market with China-concept companies and of empty- ments between Hong Kong and other coun- advantage. Such allegations were promptly shell Hong Kong registered companies tries which require the blessing of the two denied by Lu Ping, director of the Office. bought by Mainland firms for trading in sovereign powers. The Joint Liaison Group More to the point is the monetary crisis Hong Kong, fell sharply. PRC state-owned adjourned without fixing a date for its next in China. The rapid economic expansion enterprises, such as Tsingtao Beer and round, and the two sides accused each other there during the past few years has generated Shanghai Petrochemicals, which became of insincerity and delaying tactics. intense inflationary pressures. The lack of listed in the

healthy financial structures and the ability of after many months of preparation, did not do HK-PRC Economic Links cadre-capitalists to use political/administra- as well there as expected, even though their

In the mean time, the economic connec- tive maneuvers to bypass many government shares were still oversubscribed. Visits by tions between Hong Kong and the PRC con- regulations, resulted in loss of control over Mainland tourists to Hong Kong, which tinued to multiply, and the erratic behaviour the currency, the renminbi. The renminbi numbered over a million in 1992, are pro- of the Mainland economy has become the depreciated against the US dollar by some jected not to increase quite as rapidly as focus of concern. For the past few years. 20% within ten days. Part and parcel of the before the depreciation.

Communist Party cadre-capitalists have been problem was that the renminbi, not a hard By early July, the PRC authorities were investing heavily in the Hong Kong stock and currency, has several different exchange rates: taking steps to halt the depreciation. The gov- housing markets and have been encouraging an official rate, different rates at each of sev- ernor of the People's Bank was dismissed,

Hong Kong capital to invest on the Mainland. eral official currency clearinghouses (swap replaced by Deputy Premier Zhu Rongji (who

4 UPDATE just returned from a tour of Canada, where he prepare for the Legislative Council and local groups which have been less ostracized by was \er\ well received bj the Toronto and elections in 1444 and 1995, decisions will Beijing Some leaders of these othet Vancouver business community). have to be made very soon about Patten's pro- are wooed by PRC officials as possible coun- Government intervention, with a combination posals on expanding the franchise and con- terweights to the UDHK. The UDHK as a of monetary and administrative measures. stituencies of those elections. In the latter part whole has held linn and has retained its posi- brought up the exchange rale sharply, hi of June, it was learned that one of the main tion as the most popular Hong Kong political

Hong Kong, the sense of uncertainty has not impediments in the talks has been the idea of party in a number of opinion polls conducted been dispelled. While there is a consensus the "through train"—the desire in Hong Kong by the mass media. Interestingly, in another that a proper re-structuring of the financial that legislators elected in 1995 would be poll of secondary school pupils in a working system in the PRC would be good in the long allowed to straddle the transfer of sovereignty class district. Patten was rated the most popu- term for both China and Hong Kong, there and serve till 1999—and the wish in Beijing lar political figure, followed by pro-democra- are no clear signals that this is taking place, not to have certain pro-democracy leaders sil cy legislators. Emily Lau and Martin Lee. or how far the retrenchment would go. In the in the Hong Kong legislature after 1997. It The teenagers rated PRC official Lu Ping the short run. the fairly violent downs and ups of seemed that the two sides had spent se\ en most unpopular, followed by Maria Tarn (a the renminbi have the immediate effect of rounds debating generalities, and the PRC former member of the Executive and withdrawing, for political/administrative rea- team would not make counter-proposals to Legislative Councils under Governor Wilson. sons, a good deal of cadre-capitalist money Patten's plan. who left the Councils after a conflict of inter- from the Hong Kong market. At the end of June. Governor Patten flew ests scandal). Patten was also given third In addition to the economic uncertainty, to London with Hong Kong officials who place! there have been reports of a number of small have attended the Beijing talks, for consulta- The Legislative Council is now debating scale protests or rampages by hard pressed tions with the British cabinet. After the meet- the terms of the Western Harbour Crossing peasants in different parts of China. These ings, the British government re-affirmed its contract. Councillors across the political were forcefully suppressed by the authorities. support for Patten's proposals and for the spectrum are unhappy about what they con- The peasants had been paid promissory notes strategy of the British side in the Beijing sider to be too favourable terms for the rather than cash by government purchasing negotiations. However, it was later investors at the expense of the public. On its agents and could not make ends meet. By announced, on very short notice, that Foreign part, the consortium awarded the proposed early July, peasant rioting had been reported Secretary Douglas Hurd would go to Beijing contract would not accept any change in the in eleven provinces in China. The widening after the G7 summit in Tokyo, to meet with terms already agreed to by the two sovereign gap between the haves and the have-nots in his Chinese counterpart. Qian Qichen. in the powers. In Beijing, the Committee estab-

China is common knowledge in Hong Kong hope of facilitating the talks. Opinion was lished by the PRC government to prepare for and could not but give rise to a sense of fore- divided in Hong Kong on whether Hurd was the Organizing Committee [see B. Luk. boding. The euphoria about the China market going to make major concessions. So far. this "'Update on Governor Patten's Policy has been dampened, and the Index has been has not turned out to be the case. The two for- Address." Canada and Hong Kong Update, fluctuating between 6700 and 7000 in recent eign ministers apparently have agreed to no. 9. Spring 1993. p.3.] met for the first time weeks. It also remains very sensitive to news focus future constitutional talks on the issues under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister about the various Sino-British negotiations of the "through train." the functional con- Qian Qichen. Mainland and Hong Kong over Hong Kong's economic, political, and stituencies, and the electoral committee. This, members were all appointed by the PRC gov- legal development. together with the reported willingness of the ernment. A member of the committee PRC delegation finally to make concrete promptly began to attack Martin Lee and Sino-British Trade Expansion counter-proposals, gave rise to some opti- other pro-democracy legislators as unpatriotic

In spite of all the diplomatic difficulties mism about the talks. and unfit for the "through train." between Beijing and London, trade between However, the eighth round, held in July, At the same time. Hong Kong's Financial the two sovereign powers continued to grow, still produced no concrete results, and hopes Secretary announced in Legco that the expanding by some 70% during the year are now pinned on the ninth round. Patten had Exchange Fund of Hong Kong now stood at since Patten became governor. In June, top more consultations with Hurd and indicated HKS287 billion (CDNS48 billion), taking the officials of the Jardine Group visited China that, even if the negotiators in Beijing should territory from twelfth to tenth place in the and returned with optimistic news. The still fail to come to any conclusions, he would world. Simultaneously, the Independent largest British commercial firm based in have to make decisions about the 1994 and Commission Against Corruption reported on

Hong Kong (now with its legal headquarters 1995 elections when he delivers his second widespread anxiety in the community about in Bermuda), Jardines had came under vehe- annual policy address in the autumn. an increase of corruption in public and private ment attack from the PRC last winter for sup- concerns towards 1997 and beyond. porting Patten's constitutional proposals. Role of HK Pro-Democracy Groups As the Update goes to press, a new round

Throughout the past three months since of talks on electoral arrangements is being

Lack of Progress in Talks publication of the last Update, pro-democracy held in mid-August, amidst threats from cer- Meanwhile, the government and public in groups in Hong Kong, especially the United tain PRC officials to take over Hong Kong

Hong Kong have become increasing impa- Democrats of Hong Kong (UDHK), have before 1 997. The stock market apparently tient with the lack of progress in the Beijing generally kept a low- profile in facing attacks disregarded the threats. constitutional talks. As the legislative year from the PRC. A few junior members of the draws to a close and time is running short to UDHK have defected to other pro-democracy

UPDATE 5 Capital, cont'd from page 4

applicants with the capital necessary to pass themselves off as qualified business persons." Despite these problems, investment capital entering Canada through the program has been especially important in poorer provinces, where

it is the largest pool of venture capital available. The overwhelming majority of immigrant

investors - 92% - still choose to live in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec when they land

in Canada. However, the Atlantic provinces, Saskatchewan, and Alberta were able to attract just less than half of the nearly $2 billion in sub-

scriptions made under the program between

1986 and March 1993 (see Table 2).

Table 2: Distribution of Funds Subscribed Under the Immigrant Investor Program,

Jan. 1, 1986 to March 31, 1993

Province A Matter of Passports

by Bernard Luk York University, Toronto

nize the BNO on par with the BDTC, making Certificate of Identity (CI) to permanent

In the run-up to 1997. millions of Hong it necessary for BNO-holders to apply for residents (formerly known as "Hong Kong

Kong people will be entitled to hold two visas. The case is often cited of a Hong Kong Belongers") who were not born in Hong "British" passports issued by the Hong Kong family, travelling from Germany to Canada a Kong, were not BDTC b> anj other means. government at the same time. Both are dis- few months ago. that was refused boarding by but have resided legally in the territory for tinct from the British passports of United the airline because members of the family more than se\en years and do not hold any

Kingdom citizens, which indicate full British held different versions of British passports. national passport. Permanent residents enjoy citizenship and right of abode in the United As 1997 approaches, the Hong Kong go\ - right of abode and other civil and political

Kingdom. At British border control points. emment is faced with the administrative rights of citizenship within the territory of holders of UK and European Community nightmare of having to issue more than two Hong Kong. There are more than a million

(EC) passports wait in one line, while holders million BNO passports during the last few CI holders, mostly ethnic Chinese residents of Hong Kong "British" and other passports months before the transfer, to people who of Hong Kong who prefer not to travel with wait in another line. wanted to hold on to their BDTC passports passports issued by the Mainland or Taiwan Under the British Nationality Act adopted until the last minute. Earlier this year, the authorities. In international law. the CI is

by the Westminster Parliament in 198 1 . citi- Executive Council decided to require BDTC considered a "statelessness" document; zens of Hong Kong are entitled to "British" passport holders to trade in their passports for but in fact it is widely recognized around passports, which describe them as British the BNO between 1993 and 1997. according the world as something like the American Dependent Territories Citizens (BDTC). to a schedule based on one's year of birth. "green card" from Hong Kong, although

They enjoy the right of abode in Hong Kong This decision met with a storm of protests visas are required for travel to most but may be required to apply for an entry per- from the community and the Legislative countries. mit before travelling to the United Kingdom. Council. The government's logistical difficul- Again, there is a Document of Identity

The Hong Kong BDTC passport is a widely ties were appreciated, but the enforced (DI), issued by the Hong Kong government, recognized travel document, and its holder change was also seen as depriving Hong usually to immigrants from the PRC who could travel to many countries, including Kong people of their citizenship rights ahead needed to travel overseas before they had Canada and most of the European of time. attained the status of permanent residents of

Community, as a tourist without a visa. After meeting with a Legco delegation the territory. Holders of the CI and DI are not When Hong Kong ceases to be a "British representing different ends of the political affected by the policy on BNO passports.

Dependent Territory" on 1 July 1997. the spectrum, and probably with intervention According to the Joint Declaration, after Hong Kong BDTC passport will automatical- from Governor Chris Patten, the British 1997 Hong Kong people could travel with

ly lose its validity. An exchange of memoran- Home Secretary decided in June that the passports issued by the PRC authorities or by

da, appended to the Sino-British Joint BNO passports would still be issued only the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong, according to the year-of-birth schedule. authorities. However, no details of proposed

made special provisions for passports. It stip- However, applicants for the new passport arrangements have been published so far. ulated that the UK government would issue would also be allowed to retain their BDTC Meanwhile, ethnic Chinese from Hong British passports which would remain valid passports until 1997. In other words, one Kong can apply for passports for international

after the transfer of sovereignty, to persons could hold both "British" passports at the travel from either the Mainland or Taiwan

born before that date, on account of their con- same time. It was anticipated that some con- authorities (or both), and some people have nection with Hong Kong. The PRC govern- fusion may result where border control offi- done so. Taiwan recognizes dual nationality,

ment would permit Hong Kong people to cers in different parts of the world may not be while the PRC does not. The legal issues hold that travel document but would not rec- aware of the unusual circumstances, and the could be tricky, and most people prefer not to

ognize it as a passport implying British Hong Kong government has advised its peo- involve themselves. In any case, the PRC

nationality. Subsequently, the British govern- ple not to use both passports for the same considers all Hong Kong people always to

ment adopted measures for a new class of country. have been its citizens and does not recognize

passports, known as the British National Where Hong Kong's own border control is the BDTC. On both sides of the Taiwan

Overseas (BNO) passport, for this purpose. concerned, there should not be any problem Straits, the authorities issue passport- 1 ike The Hong Kong government has been because Hong Kong people leave and re-enter identity documents for multiple entry, that

issuing BNO passports since the late 1980s. the territory with the computerized Hong permit Hong Kong people to "return to the Passport applicants could choose freely Kong Permanent Resident Identity Card. Fatherland" under their respective control. between the BDTC and the BNO. The over- which will remain valid beyond 1997. rather All this multiplicity of passports and cer-

whelming majority have chosen the BDTC than w ith any passport. tificates underline the complexity and pathos

because it is believed, with some justification, In addition to the "British" passports, the of the political situation in which Hong Kong that a number of third countries do not recog- Hong Kong government also issues the people find themselves.

UPDATE 7 1992 Hong Kong Immigrants Landed in Canada: Demographics

by Diana Lury UBC, Vancouver

The 1992 numbers for immigrants from Hong Kong landed in Canada showed a major jump from the figures the year before. The 1992 figure of 38.841 represented an increase of 74% over the 1991 figure of 22.329. and a 34% increase over the 28.949 figure for 1990. [The present figures date from June 1993. Figures published in the

last Update were run in February 1993. The increase between

February and June comes about because figures are still being col-

lected at the beginning of the year.] The changes in demographic characteristics are less dramatic than

the change in overall numbers. The male:female ratio has hardly changed over the past five years, nor has the marital status of immi-

grants. The gradual rise in age of the immigrant group has continued.

The downward trend in knowledge of official languages has continued,

as has the decline in levels of educational achievement. Levels of lan- guage and educational attainment vary considerably by class of immi-

grant, with the highest levels associated with the independent class. Low

levels are associated with the business classes (investor, entrepreneur and self-employed). These are also the classes in which the ratio of

workers to non-workers is highest, i.e. the principal immigrants are accompanied by the largest number of non-working dependents.

Male/Female ratio

The male/female ratio in 1992 continued to favour women. It declined slightly from the 1991 ratio of 53:47 (womemmen). to 52:48,

still higher than the 1 990 ratio of 5 1 :49.

Male Female Total

8 Educational levels The educational qualifications of immigrants from Hong Kong have been declining steadily over the past five years. In 1988 59% of immi- grants had secondary school graduation or less, in 1989 64%. in 1990

66%, and in 1991 69%. In 1992 the comparable figure was 73% . Since

this decline has occurred in parallel with a decline in the number of children (see above), these figures cannot be explained by pointing to children who are not old enough to have received much in the way of

education, but must indicate declines in the educational level of adults. At the highest levels of education, a steady decline in proportion

(though not in absolute numbers) is also apparent. The number of uni- versal graduates was 3597 (15%) in 1988, 2340 (12%) in 1989, 3358 (12%'ifn 1990, 2492 (11%) in 1991. and 3697 (10%) in 1992.

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 None - 1

Hong Kong in the Chinese Press

by Christina Mungan Beijing

A spring flood of articles about "the Hong As if following Tu's advice, the Chinese Even actions that could have been expected

Kong question" in China's newspapers dried papers gave no information at all about any to raise tensions failed to dominate the news in to a trickle by early June for a number of rea- progress made during the talks, probably partly China. Patten's publication of draft plans for sons. Once talks between the British and because little progress seemed to be made. A the 1 994-95 legislative election drew a pro-

Chinese governments resumed in Beijing on prominent front-page article, noting the start of forma blast from Chinese officials, but gar-

April 22, generally the People 's Daily and the round six [China Daily, 17June 1993. p. 1]. nered nothing like the flurry of attacks the mere China Daily toned down their scathing attacks quoted major Hong Kong newspapers as suggestion that he might publish had brought on Hong Kong Governor. Chris Patten, and expecting "an early agreement" but noticeably down two months earlier. When Legco later instead simply reported the date each round of failed to quote any Chinese source in support of endorsed the boundary and election commis- talks began. In early June, the China Daily that hope. The silence extended to Sino-Briush sion bill in late May. a Chinese Foreign approvingly quoted . deputy president talks on the Hong Kong airport financing plan. Ministry spokesman professed himself "sur- of Hong Kong's Legislative Council (Legco), Talks were scheduled to resume June 4. but by prised" but otherwise made little comment pub- as calling for "a time of silence" and "an end the middle of the month no further information licly. When the National People's Congress to megaphone diplomacy" during the Sino- had been published. closed in March, it set up a committee "to start

British talks. preparations for 1997." its vague mandate lead-

Press, cont'd page 1

An Anglo-Chinese Confusion

The present dispute between China and Palmerston's government, defeated by a coali- In the summer of 1 860. the expeditionary force

Britain is not the first occasion that Britain and tion which claimed that Bowling had caused reached the outskirts of Peking, forcing the

China have had deep and bitter divisions over great and deliberate offense to the Chinese. In emperor to flee into the interior. The glittering

policy towards Hong Kong. In the late 1850s. the election of 1 857 Palmerston's government summer palace, the Yuan Ming Yuan, was

after a fairly calm period of adjustment follow- was re-elected but took its initial defeat seri- looted and then, on Elgin's specific instruc-

ing the end of the Opium War in 1 842. a seri- ously enough to send out to China a special tions, bumed as a punishment to the emperor. ous conflict erupted, which eventually escalat- envoy. Lord Elgin, to supersede Bowring. A great area of palaces and temples was

ed into war. The war came to be know n as the Elgin was the son of Elgin of the Elgin reduced to complete ruins, an act of vandalism

Arrow War because it started with a dispute Marbles, the man who acquired for the British which put Elgin in the same class as his father.

over a lorca (a small boat) named the Arrow, a Museum one of its most spectacular foreign The Treaty of Tientsin was ratified soon Chinese owned and operated vessel trading "acquisitions." Elgin was only in his mid-lOs. afterwards, w ith an additional clause which between Hong Kong and Canton, with a cer- but had already served as governor-general of ceded the Kowloon Peninsula to Britain. Elgin

tificate of registration in Hong Kong. When Canada. His time in Canada is remembered returned to England in 1860 still carrying a per- the boat was boarded by Chinese maritime less for any particular achievements than for sonal letter from Queen Victoria to the emperor;

authorities, the British leapt to its defense, even the street, county, and hotel named after him. he had had no chance to deliver it. This letter

though its certificate of registration had Lord Elgin's mandate was to settle out- joined a letter written by the Queen in 1 857.

expired, because there was a feeling that the standing issues w ith the Chinese, which he did also undelivered, in Elgin's personal papers.

local authorities needed to be 'taught a lesson.' w ith apparent success in 1 858 with the agree- The best account of the war is by Douglas

The protagonists were the British consul in ment for a new treaty, the Treaty of Tientsin. Hurd. The Arrow War, subtitled with some

Canton. Harry Parkes. then twenty-nine years Two years later, however. Elgin was back in understatement, "an Anglo-Chinese Confusion

old but with fourteen years experience in China, with a large joint British/French expe- 1856-60." was published shortly after Mr. Hurd

China; the radical governor of Hong Kong, Sir ditionary force. The attempt in 1 859 by the left the Foreign Office in 1965 to work in the

1 led John Bow ring ; and the viceroy of Guangdong first British ambassador. Elgin's brother. Conservative Central Office, a move which and Guangxi, Ye Mingzhen (Yeh Ming-chen). Frederick Bruce, to bludgeon Peking into eventually to his becoming a member of parlia-

The British demands for 'satisfaction' from the allowing him to take up residence in Peking, ment. As Foreign Secretary in the present round

Chinese authorities precipitated a crisis. As the had ended with the armed repulsion of Bruce of discussions with China, Mr. Hurd may have

affair escalated, the tiny British community in and his party. The 1860 expeditionary force pause to remember his earlier writings. Hong Kong was spooked by the poisoned was mounted to impress the Chinese authori- 1 BowTing was a close follower of Jeremy Bentham and a great bread affair of January 1857. in which much of ties with the seriousness the two countries believer in reform. "He firmly shared (he Benthamite belief that the problems of any society could be solved if the clutter of tra- the community suffered ill effects from bread attached to having representation in Peking. dition and prejudice were cleared away and its institutions " laced (not accidentally) with arsenic. The British and French troops were staged reformed on logical and utilitarian lines (Douglas Hurd. The Arrow War, (London: Collins. 1967). p.22] Bowring was also an When the news of the crisis reached near Hong Kong, on the peninsula of accomplished linguist: he claimed to know fifteen languages, including Chinese London, there was a furious debate in Kowloon. rented from the local Chinese

2 Ibid..p.207. Parliament, which ended w ith the fall of authorities for the sum of £ 1 60 per annum.

10 UPDATE 7 1

Press, cont'd from page 10

mg some Hong Kongers to call it a potential reached earliei between the two sides'' A B) June though, the Chinese press was once "shadow government" However, the now Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated the again heralding such coups as an agreement

group has maintained a very low profile in the hopeful message three da) s later and empha- with three Hong Kong linns to build a power

now s during this spring and summer. sized China's sincerity without, for once, plant in Guangdong, plans for China's biggest

Indeed, relations looked positively cordial attacking Britain's supposed lack of sincerity. anils manufacturer to build luxury cars w ith

as seen in the press by early June. Readers were Even as Sino-British hostilities lessened, the Hong Kong cooperatively, a Hong Kong com-

told that work on the Beijing-Kowloon railway number of articles on Hong Kong in the pany \ gift o\ I ss 1 25,000 to a PR( ' charity,

line was being speeded up. that the Shenzhen People's Daily and China Daily also fell, parti) and the purchase by two major Chinese state

stock exchange looked forward to expanding in because Chinese officials have been distracted corporations of a 30$ stake in Hong Kong's

a business boom after 1997. that now more and by a number of Other pressing foreign relations First Pacific Bank.

more Hong Kongers were learning Mandarin problems. Stories about Hong Kong were In a still more sinking change, the Chinese instead of English, and that Chinese audiences replaced by articles on China's various bids to government positively began to woo Hong had enthusiastically cheered a number of Hong join GATT, win the year 2000 Olympics, and Kong business people. PRC President Jiang

Kong rock stars on recent tours, while Hong retain MFN status with the US, while the gov- Zemin made an important speech urging accel-

Kong residents welcomed new PRC films. ernment struggled to put forward its own inter- eration of China's economic reforms and

There were some jitters over Patten's visit to pretation on troubles in Tibet, China's position growth, and the speech was published in a

the United States in May. and his plea to at the U.N. World Conference on Human Chinese-owned Hong Kong magazine

President Clinton to renew China's Most Rights, and Premier Li Peng's mysteriously (Bauhinia) before publication in the Mainland.

Favoured Nation (MFNi status was virtually long disappearance from public \ iew. A front page article in the China Daily on May

ignored in the Mainland papers. Conversely, However, if political relations with Hong 29 urged Hong Kongers to "swarm to inland

the Macau government was pointedly hailed as Kong have been glossed over lately, economic regions." including areas as remote and lacking

a model of cooperation with China over the relations w ith Hong Kong businesses have in infrastructure as and Ningxia

1999 handover. received more emphasis. Hong Kong is provinces. Such a move would certainly solve

Still, the PRC government remained unusu- China's major trading partner and vice versa, another problem causing Beijing headaches, ally upbeat over Hong Kong. President Jiang but April saw few of the usual articles about namely the increasing inequities between

Zemin was quoted on May 1 8 as saying that Hong Kong investments in China - as if coastal and inland areas. In short. Hong Kong- the current Sino-British talks "could produce Beijing's warnings that the political dispute Mainland relations by mid-summer had

positive results so long as both sides abide by could damage business relations had found resumed a businesslike tone.

the Joint Declaration, the Hong Kong Basic concrete illustration in the volume of news

Law : and also agreements and understandings coverage.

Good and Bad Triads: Notes from the Hong Kong Press

The problem of temiinology is a recur- However, according to an official Tao said that ' members are

rent one between Chinese and English and spokesman for the Ministry of Public not all cut out of the same cloth.

between Hong Kong and China. In April this Security quoted in the South China Morning Some are patriotic to China and Hong

year, the meaning of the word 'triad' came Post. Mr. Tao's remarks were being misinter- Kong.' He added that while triad soci-

under scrutiny. There was an agitated reprise preted. By 'triads' he meant "societies spon- eties are not to be allowed to develop

of a terminological confusion which first taneously formed by people from the same in China. Hongkong members

cropped up in April 1992. The PRC Minister birthplace or in the same trade, in a bid to were allowed to visit and even to of Public Security. Tao Siju. announced, as protect their interest in an organised way" establish businesses on the mainland

he had the year before, that Beijing would be [SCMP. 24 April 1993, p. 4]. This is seldom [Far Eastern Economic Review. 16

happy to work with "triads,' so long as they the interpretation of 'triads' in Hong Kong, April 1992. p. 16]. were patriotic and had renounced crime. where they are assumed to be organizations Speculation as to the reason for the April

This statement, coupled with stories that principally devoted to crime. triad 'trial balloons' ranged from a regular leaders of the Sun Yee On Triad had visited The Beijing explanation was especially warning by the PRC to Hong Kong not to

Beijing in March and met with Mr. Tao just difficult to accept this year because it was an oppose Peking's wishes (given that the PRC

before he made his remarks about patriotic almost identical repeat of last year's state- government was friendly with the triads i. to

triads, led to a great deal of nervousness in ments. In April 1992. Mr. Tao announced a veiled threat to Hong Kong authorities not

Hong Kong [South China Morning Post. 1 that the key factor in assessing people was to crack down on the triads.

April 1993~p. 1]. their patriotism.

UPDATE 1 Hong Kong Pop Singers' Charity Concerts in China

by Bernard Luk York University, Toronto

Hong Kong has a sizeable and lively pop such performances each year - usually suc- In February 1993, it was announced that music industry, with dozens of well known cessful ones - on its electronic media than Hong Kong Television Broadcast Company artists working in a unique blend of Chinese, any other society. and China Central Television would co-spon- Western. Japanese and other traditions. They The tradition took a political turn in May sor a Campaign for the Poor in China. The produce hundreds of new albums every year. 1989 when the artists and pro-democracy Campaign would be organized with the assis-

Their work, mostly in Cantonese, is avidly activists organized a pop music marathon in tance of the PRC Ministry of Civil Affairs. It followed in Hong Kong and in the Cantonese- the Happy Valley Race Course in support of would open in April with a concert featuring speaking overseas Chinese communities of the students and citizens of Beijing, then most of Hong Kong's top stars in the Great North America. under siege by martial law. Attended by half a Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by a Some of the stars have been touring million people and broadcast live over televi- series of concerts in various cities in China

Canada for both commercial and charitable sion, the concert raised HK$13 million lasting till October. The Great Hall is normal- performances. For instance. Anita Mui. one (CDNS2 million) in one day. Among other ly reserved for formal state functions; this of the most popular singers, will be perform- things, the concert provided funds for the was probably the first time that it provided ing in Toronto this October to raise funds for tents on Tiananmen Square, which two weeks the venue for rock and roll. the University of Toronto and other non-profit later were crushed by the tanks. After the Some of the stars who had not performed organizations. Another well known singer is massacre, most Hong Kong singers decided in China since 1989 took part in the grand

Canadian Sally Yeh. who grew up in not to perform in China again. However, opening of the Campaign on April 18,

Vancouver and has many fans in Hong Kong authorized or pirated copies of their albums although not all of them attended the official and Canada. continued to do well in the Mainland market, receptions or met with government leaders. Hong Kong pop stars also enjoy wide fal- and their popularity with PRC fans continued The grand opening was broadcast live in lowings in Taiwan and Mainland China. to grow. Hong Kong and China. Attendance at the Indeed, many Hong Kong singers are youth During the summer of 1991, when parts of Great Hall was limited to 8.000 invited guests idols in Hong Kong as well as household central China were devastated by floods, the only, and no tickets were offered for public names in the Peopled Republic, where thou- Chinese government appealed for relief from sale. Plans to hold a Hong Kong-style run- sands of young people in Beijing, Shanghai, overseas. Pro-democracy activists in Hong athon with Hong Kong stars and PRC citizens and other cities learn to speak Cantonese, not Kong were the first to respond and organized on the streets of Beijing were vetoed by the only for its economic value in the Open Door a large fund raising concert featuring many security-conscious city authorities. reforms but also for its musical value. stars. The money they realized was accepted Around the time of the opening concert,

During the late 1980s, some Hong Kong by the PRC authorities although the organiz- there was a great deal of media coverage on singers began to make popular and lucrative ers were not permitted to visit the disaster (he miserable conditions of the poor in China. concert tours in China. Their performances areas. Many of those conditions were well known in were frowned upon by the authorities there as Meanwhile, there were reports that a num- Hong Kong; but this marked the first time examples of Westernized decadence, but were ber of actors and singers had been coerced by that they were openly acknowledged in con- tolerated as concomitant with the Open Door violence or threats of violence to make com- nection with a media event which was offi- policy. This year, however, a formula has mercial films against their will. The perpetra- cially backed by the PRC government. been found to bring together Hong Kong pop tors were reputed to be newly emerging During the concert itself, there was a great stars, their fans in China, and the interests of underworld organizations from the Mainland. deal of emphasis on sympathy for the poor in the state. That formula is a series of fund rais- The popular culture community was greatly China, on "blood is thicker than water." and ing concerts to help the poor and needy in the shocked by several shooting incidents during on the duty of Chinese people in Hong Kong, People's Republic. 1992, and some famous performers were put Taiwan, and overseas to help. The concert Charity concerts have a long and venera- under police protection. may well mark a new relationship between ble tradition in Hong Kong. Throughout the Last winter, when the PRC authorities the PRC authorities and popular culture in 1950s and '60s. all-night concerts, given by were focusing their wrath on Governor Patten Hong Kong.

Cantonese opera artists and broadcast over and pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong, The videotape of the open concert has the radio a few times every winter in aid of several popular Hong Kong singers were been released commercially and broadcast on disaster victims, philanthropic hospitals, invited to Beijing to participate in a New Year Chinese-speaking television stations in orphanages, or scholarship funds, were high- concert which was broadcast over China Canada. lights on the cultural calendar that helped to Central Television. A number of Hong Kong forge a sense of community among two mil- singers also took advantage of the more lion dispirited refugees. In recent decades, the relaxed economic climate on the Mainland to tradition has continued with numerous fund do lucrative concert tours there. However, raising shows on television every year. Hong many famous performers still would not visit Kong probably enjoys and supports more China for commercial gain.

12 UPDATE Is Canada Losing Hong Kong Investment?

by Susan Haulers and Don Pittis Oxford, U.K.

Ever since it became clear that China lake a long term point of view" and are Program, enough to buy a monster house in would take control of Hong Kong, nervous unlikely to pull their money out because of a British Columbia and a hank account to keep money has been flowing out of the British temporary economic decline. "Unless they themselves." colony and into Canada. Now. some analysts are verj strapped for cash, they will stay in." Another route for the return of money to argue the trend is reversing. Pushed by he said. Hong Kong is with immigrants who have

Canada's low economic growth rates and Moreover, government officials say direct obtained passports and have returned to the high unemployment and pulled by the boom- investments by Hong Kong residents are like- territory to find higher paying jobs. The Hi mg ing economy in South China, some Hong ly to continue to increase in the long term due Kong Institute of Personnel Management

Kong money is returning home. to such factors as the North American Free estimates the number of Hong Kong returnees

According to Andrew Ma. spokesperson Trade Agreement. Canada-Hong Kong family from all countries at nearly 15%. However, for Hong Kong*s Trade Development and business linkages, and East Asia's the precise size of the flow back is difficult to Council. "Ten years ago. there was a steady expanding pool of capital. Nonetheless. Yau calculate with any certainty because Hong flow of money out of Hong Kong [to predicted that growth in direct investment Kong returnees may enter and leave the

Canada]." That has changed: "The money is could slow in the short term because the British territory using their Hong Kong travel now seeing its way back to Hong Kong, and a majority of the big money anxious to get out documents, leaving their adopted countrv of lot of investments we see in China, in fact, before 1 997 has already diversified out of origin unrecorded. Also. Canadians of Hong flow from Hong Kong, from Canada." Hong Kong. While existing direct investors Kong origin now living in Hong Kong are not Given the relatively high rates of return in are not pulling their stock of investment out required to register their presence with

South China and other factors. Ma's analysis of Canada in significant numbers, thev could Canadian authorities or to inform Canadian makes some sense. However, the trend does well be investing their profits in South China officials upon their departure from Canada. not worry Joe Clark. During a March 1993 and other areas where returns are better. "I Yau from Investment Canada maintains visit to Hong Kong, the then Constitutional don't believe there is any flowing back of that many of those returning are professionals

Affairs Minister said he was not concerned money, but the amount of money flow ing in whose dependents remain behind in the about the evidence that investment, including w ill be relatively flat." Yau concluded. Canadian family home. There are no esti-

Chinese Canadian capital, is moving into Indirect portfolio investment is a different mates of how much capital such itinerant

Hong Kong and South China from Canada. matter. Although exact figures do not exist, workers might take with them. Furthermore,

"There are so many Canadian entre- government and private-sector analysts say because many Chinese businesses in both preneurs who have direct contacts with Hong there have been declines in 'speculative' pur- Canada and Hong Kong are family -owned

Kong and with Southern China." Clark rea- chases of such things as stocks and bonds, as and. thus, not subject to the public disclosure soned. "It is a constructive factor in two-way money from both Hong Kong residents and rules that apply to publicly traded companies, investment and we've got no concerns about Hong Kong immigrants in Canada grav itates it is more difficult to know how much capital two-way investment. We welcome it." to the relative windfalls in East Asia. No one they might be transferring out of Canada.

The same methods of government statistics knows how big the outflow is. in part because On the inflow side, the average amount of gathering and complex investment patterns Statistics Canada does not keep tabs on Hong money that business immigrants from all that obscure the size and nature of Hong Kong Kong's share of foreign indirect holdings of countries declared they were bringing into capital in Canada [see Hong Kong Capital portfolio investment. Canada at ports of entry reached a five-) ear

Flows Into Canada, p. Iff.] also prevent us On the other side, barring another major low in 1992 of $87,257 for each principal from knowing how much Hong Kong money political crisis in Hong Kong, investment applicant. The average was $120,000 for is leaving the country. Depite these problems, related to immigration from the British terri- those from Hong Kong. However, govern- some analysts conclude that the recession and tory may already have peaked. Wayne Lorch. ment figures indicate a fluctuating pattern, other changes in the Canada-Hong Kong whose P.W. Lorch & Associates Ltd. man- rather than a steady drop in the funds investment env ironment have hurt some ty pes ages immigrant investor syndicates, said the declared by business immigrants as the reces- of investment more than others. recession probably only heightened a trend sion took hold. Moreover, government offi-

For instance, we do know that direct already ev ident before the Canadian economy cials said that the numbers probably underes- investment in Canada by Hong Kong resi- soured. Rich Hong Kong business immigrants timate the actual capital brought into Canada dents was still increasing at the end of 1991, tend to keep most of their investment capital by immigrants, although they stress that the last date for which figures are available. in Asia, where their returns are largely tax authorities neither check to ensure that immi-

From CDNS 1 .3 billion at the end of 1990, it free. Lorch indicated. grants actually transfer the funds nor investi- climbed to S2.3 billion a year later, an "They may have substantial additional gate whether such capital remains in Canada increase of 767c during some of the worst capital," he said. "But I don't think Canadians afterward. months of Canada's economic downturn. should hold their breath about them transfer-

According to Henry Yau of Investment ring all their money, other than what is Canada, this was because 'Asian investors required under the [Immigrant Investor] Investment, cont'd page 14

UPDATE 13 Investment, cont'd from page 13

A general decline in immigration applica- The recession is partly to blame for the The 1 992 federal government Ministerial tions from Hong Kong residents, particularly decline. However, other factors - increasing Task Force on the Immigrant Investor those applying in business categories, points competition from other countries seeking rich Program stated: "[IIP] Fund promoters and to declining capital inflows from Hong Kong immigrants, slow application processing sales agents have concentrated their market- immigrants in the coming years. According to times, and concerns about abuses under the ing efforts in Hong Kong over the past several figures from the Canadian Commission in immigrant Investor Program (IIP) - may have years, exploiting the uncertainties surround- Hong Kong, in 1991 the number of immigra- deterred applicants. Changes to the IIP regu- ing the proposed changeover in governments tion visa applications for all categories fell by lations at the end of 1992. which increased in 1997.... although Canada's focus on Hong nearly half from the year before. During the the minimum amount of investment required Kong has paid dividends, that market now same period, business immigration applica- to $250,000 from $150,000 and locked it in shows signs of returning stability. However, tions plunged 69%, while those from skilled for five years instead of three, also decreased other markets such as Taiwan, the Middle workers dropped 67%. The decline suggests applications. "Anyone who really wanted to East, Latin and South America are showing some business immigration applicants will come to Canada tried to get in under the old signs of potential growth." barely meet the acceptability criteria and that regulations." John Martin of the Business Some analysts suggest the richest business

most of the best applicants have already left Immigration Program declared. In addition, immigrant applicants now come from the territory. application rates are no longer skewed by the Taiwan, not Hong Kong. Taiwan's share of

The fall is significant because, although abnormally high number of immigration Canadian business immigration is growing, relatively few in numbers, business immi- applications sparked by the Chinese govern- jumping from 591. or 12.9% of principal grants - especially those in the investor cate- ment's suppression of the pro-democracy applicants, in 1990 to 1,335. or 19.69f. in gory - are the source of most of the immigra- movement in 1989. 1992 - a level second only to Hong Kong. tion-related investment capital brought into As the pool of moneyed immigrants from "It's safe to say that other parts of the the country. According to economist Roslyn Hong Kong dries up and more of the territo- world are going to play a bigger part [in the

Kunin, in a report prepared for Employment ry's migrants are approved under non-busi- IIP]," Martin concluded. and Immigration Canada, the 20,000 business ness classes, officials are looking to other We thank Employment anil Immigration Canada immigrants who landed in Canada between parts of the world for new sources of business and Investment Canadafor making these statistics 1986 and 1990 poured an estimated $3 billion irnmigrants. available to n\. into the economy.

Hong Kong and the Closure of Provincial Offices Abroad

The closure this year of all Ontario's sev- government, coordinating events and strate- Canada, this competition made it more diffi-

enteen overseas offices was the most dramatic gies with the local embassy, consulate, or cult at times to present a cohesive Canadian

step in what has been a steady provincial other federal office. In this sense, they were presence.

retreat from independent overseas representa- important players in sharing the workload of However valid these concerns might have

tion. In the case of Hong Kong, it reduced to overseas promotional work, particularly in been, the sheer cost of office space and the

four the number of provinces with representa- their investment development focus. pressure to reduce apparent duplication of

tives operating in the territory - a far cry from Moreover, Quebec, with its constitutional effort between federal and provincial govern- the early 1990s when New Brunswick was powers with respect to immigration, contin- ments led to new federal -provincial overseas

the only province not to have a provincial ues to operate a substantial immigration pro- arrangements. Increasingly, provincial gov-

agent there. gram in concert with federal immigration ernment representatives began locating within

For the most part, overseas provincial officers. federal embassies and consulates. They con-

offices were intended to raise the profile of However, the presence of some of the tinued to represent the interests of their

provinces on the international scene, ensuring offices inevitably led to confusion among provincial governments and. particularly, key

that their interests, particularly commercial several host countries, particularly those industry sectors important to their provinces,

interests, were well represented. Ontario. which did not have a federal system and such as oil and gas in Alberta. They also Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia tend- which were unsure of the respective duties shared the consular and administrative

ed to have the most offices abroad, although a and powers of the federal and provincial responsibilities of all officers operating at number of Maritime provinces have had rep- offices. This was not a problem unique to Canadian posts abroad.

resentation in Europe and in the eastern Canada, as it was often the case with overseas The closure of many overseas provincial

United States. offices operated by American states. The offices may mean increased pressure to Most offices focused on the promotion of most common concern was that competition expand the number of these shared arrange-

investment in their provinces and the facilita- between provinces, however low key, for ments with the federal government. Although

tion of the business immigration program, commercial or investment benefits led to a with federal cost-recovery schemes, such along with some trade development and cul- diluting of Canada's overall image abroad. arrangements also represent an expense to the

tural affairs publicity as well. They were Even with concerted efforts on the part of the provincial governments. At present. Quebec

intended to operate in concert with the federal provinces to present themselves as part of continues its immigration activities, important

14 UPDATE - level to its domestic cultural and linguistic policy of federal trade development priorities, in an reaches the of the 1980s. However, the but sometimes under similar space-sharing attempt to offset concerns that pro\ incial inter- growth ot overseas offices did send a message arrangements with the federal government ests w ill suffer with the closure of their over- to the federal government of the importance

Increasingly, tight provincial budgets and seas offices. However, fiscal pressure has also attached to international activities In the

the concern to reduce waste and apparent meant the closure of embassies and consulates, provinces. Moreover, the fact that most oi duplication at all levels of government will so it will not alwav s be easv for the Canadian Atlantic Canada at one time was represented continue this trend to reduce separate overseas offices to assume the tasks of the provincial in Hong Kong underscores the growing

representation and to share arrangements with representatives. awareness of the importance ot this region to

the federal government. At the same time. With record governmental debt and all of Canada.

Ottawa has also increased its commitment to deficits, it will be a long time, if ever, before involve provincial governments in the setting prov incial representation in Hong Kong again

The Multinational Entrepreneur in Shenzhen SEZ

by Paul Levine City Polytechnic of Hong Kong

The pitfalls of setting up business in the Path to Success: Doing Business logs) plant in Nantou near She Kou. just out- People's Republic of China are legion. Many in China side of Shenzhen. Its PRC partner was the

firms, including multi-nationals have found Alcan's strategy during the late 1970s and China National Nonferrous Metals

China a difficult place in which to do business, early 1980s was not to try to go directly into Corporation (CNNC) in Beijing, which con-

especially because of widely varying local con- China with its own joint- venture operation as trols the Chinese aluminium industry. The

ditions. One Canadian firm that has renewed its many companies did. which often led to choice of CNNC turned out to be strategically

China ties and set up successful on-going oper- unhappy results. Rather, it put up small advantageous because as the project proceed-

ations, in this case in the Shenzhen Special investments in related businesses in the PRC. ed, local Guangdong officials tried to insert

Economic Zone (SEZ). is Alcan. in order to gain experience that would themselves between Alcan and CNNC. Each

Alcan has extensive dealings both in enhance Alcan's ability to make the right time this happened. Alcan was able to use its

Guangdong and Hong Kong through its decisions when it did finally choose to enter influence in Beijing to overrule provincial

Asian subsidiary. Nikkei Alcan Ltd. The cen- into larger scale production operations. authorities. An example, and one that was to

tre of its Asian operations is located in Hong Alcan's early moves had a double-sided play a key role in the success of the project.

Kong, and the firm is committed to the con- benefit. First, they formed the basis for the was the struggle over the recruitment of

tinuation of its half-century trade in south- company's Chinese partners to start a rela- workers.

eastern China. Its office in Hong Kong has tionship that would last, especially when

been in place for more than twenty \ ears w ith larger-scale operations were planned. Recruitment and Training of

a full complement of staff that serves as the Second. Alcan gained exposure that gave it Young Workers

nerve-centre for Alcan's PRC operations and credibility in the eyes of its Chinese counter- As Roger Hum tells it. this was a crucial

its China-centred decision making. parts, that it would keep its word and that it issue. In the late 1980s most foreign joint

Together with its Japanese subsidiary, was not just in for a short-term "quick profit ventures with Chinese partners were limited

Nippon Light Metal Ltd.. Alcan's Hong Kong and quick exit." Starting in 1978. Alcan, in their recruitment to workers from state-

office has directed various projects, first in along with a Japanese partner, built a turn- owned firms, who were used to an 'iron rice-

the Hong Kong market, from w hich it gained key aluminium ingot smelter that was hand- bowl' system with lifetime employment, low valuable expertise, and now in China. Alcan's ed over to China in 1982. Next, in 1985. it regardless of efficiency. This resulted in a experience in Hong Kong and the Mainland built an aerosol can manufacturing facility average output and non-competitive rates of

is illustrative of a story w ith a positive ending whose production was aimed for the domes- efficiency, w ith the consequence that many

- that with creative management, ev en what tic Chinese market. joint ventures quickly disappeared from the

seems at first like insurmountable obstacles According to Roger Hum. the chief execu- Chinese scene.

can be overcome. tive officer of Alcan Nikkei (China) Limited, In order to circumvent this situation. Alcan The story of Alcan in China began in the Hong Kong-based headquarters of Alcan decided to recruit workers directly, without

1928, when Alcan established its first sales China, the next step was to head toward going through provincially controlled recruit-

office and eventually set up an aluminium foil Shenzhen, the burgeoning Special Economic ment offices and by advertising for 'young' rolling operation along with Swiss and Zone. "When we decided to go to the workers with no previous experience. They being trained by foreign British companies. It owned 5 1 % of that Shenzhen SEZ. we did it because it was on the had the advantage of

operation which was seized by the Japanese front line, not a backwater." With its proximity managers. More importantly, they could be material during the war. After World War II. Alcan to Hong Kong, container links, and access to motivated to increase output through had no further production in China until the China market. Shenzhen was a logical incentives, such as output-related bonuses for 1979. with the coming of the new open-door entry -point for China-based operations. increases above production targets and scarce

policy. Between those years, it simply was an In 1986. Alcan set up a joint venture alu- consumer goods like nylons. exporter of aluminium ingots to China. minium extrusion (producing aluminium Alcan. cont'd page 16

UPDATE 15 Alcan, cont'd from page 15

At first, the process of obtaining young The plant opened in 1 990 and hired to Finally, as Roger Hum said. "There are workers, who were usually thrust down on capacity, with over 300 workers. Within five always going to be policy changes in Beijing the last rung of the production ladder and months, it was operating in the black and, and this will affect business aims." The radi- paid the lowest wages by the seniority-cen- despite the 1989 downturn in the Chinese cal shift since Alcan's first success can be tred Chinese industrial system, was quite dif- economy, it has been profitable since 1991. seen in greater powers given to localities as ficult. However, once Alcan's joint venture To summarize, its Chinese experience has the Chinese economy has rapidly decentral- partner intervened, direct recruitment and in- taught Alcan the importance of the following: ized, doing away with many of the advan-

factory training began to pay off. The result 1 ) patient negotiations with a powerful local tages Alcan enjoyed through its contacts with was that young workers, who were consid- partner, who could intervene and overcome a powerful Beijing partner. Today local ered the 'low-castes' on the ladder, became local road-blocks; 2) long-range planning with authorities are likely to have final, overall the most sought-after workers for Alcan and a firm commitment that would not change decision making powers. However, Alcan's other employers. even when confronted by short-term economic long-term planning and on-the-spot creative

goals and policy obstacles; 3) creative on-site management should help it through many

management and recruitment policies to utilize future ups and downs. advantageous conditions; and 4) good infras-

tructure, such as provided in Shenzhen.

Seminar on Canadian Trade in Southern China and Hong Kong

by Sonny Lo Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

On 20 April 1993, a conference exploring He pointed out that there were numerous through Hong Kong. He stressed that doing the opportunities for Canadian trade and opportunities for Canadian trade and invest- business in China needed time and patience investment in Southern China and the role of ment in Southern China, where a cooperative and that it would be wise for Canadian buyers

Hong Kong as intermediary was held in the network had already been formed by combin- to use middlemen to solve payment problems. Mandarin Club, Toronto. The seminar was ing Hong Kong's capital and managerial The Chinese Consul-General. Tang sponsored by the Asia Pacific Foundation of knowledge with China's low production costs Fuquan. emphasized that China provided Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and huge consumer market. "tremendous opportunities" for Canadian in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-Canada Peter Wong emphasized that South China trade and investment. He objected to Mr. Business Association (Toronto section), the offered numerous investment and manufac- Lipman's remarks that Southern China prac- Asian Business Studies Program of the Joint turing opportunities for Canadian business tised "capitalism with a Chinese face" and

Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, and the people. He maintained that China had made insisted, rather, that China followed "social-

Pacific Basin Economic Council (Canadian many improvements in its infrastructure, ism with Chinese characteristics." Committee). electricity supply, and legal and accountancy Insights on the selection and management

Speakers at the conference included systems. As a member of Guangdong's of Hong Kong distributors for China's market Stephen Lam, director of the Hong Kong People's Consultative Conference since 1989, were presented by James Keenan of APF. He

Economic and Trade Office in Toronto; Peter Wong also suggested that small and medium- advised that Canadian companies should use Wong, president of Hong Kong Ferry sized foreign companies should establish their sales representatives to explore the mar-

(Holdings) Co. Ltd.; Ted Lipman, deputy their communication networks in Hong Kong ket in the PRC instead of relying on the director of the East Asia Trade Development as a first step to expanding their business into reports conducted by consultancy firms. Division. External Affairs and International China. Strategies of distribution are crucial for

Trade Canada; James Keenan, director of spe- Ted Lipman also maintained that Hong Canadian companies to trade with China. He cial projects, Asia Pacific Foundation; John Kong represents a stepping stone for suggested that training should be regarded as Lam, vice president of Asian Banking, Hong- Canadian trade with the PRC. He advised "an on-going process that must be shared kong Bank of Canada; Tang Fuquan, PRC Canadian companies to form "partnerships" with distributors." Consul-General in Toronto; and Frank Chau, with Hong Kong counterparts and Mainland Finally. Frank Chau gave an overview of president of Canadian Goldyear Realty Inc. enterprises in order to reduce the risks of the legal procedures for doing business in

Many of the speakers stressed the impor- investing in China. Southern China is "a Southern China. He pointed out that drawing tance of Hong Kong's role in the develop- springboard to China's hinterland," and up a business contract required the approval ment of and investment in Southern China "China is a potential market for every of various local authorities and departments and the significance of Canada-Hong Kong Canadian export." and also stressed that patience was crucial for business ties. Stephen Lam discussed recent John Lam made some financial recom- foreign business people investing in the PRC. growth trends and the economic interdepen- mendations to Canadian businessmen regard- dence between Hong Kong and South China. ing their entry into the South China market

16 UPDATE .

Metro -Toronto Week in Hong Kong

The Municipality of Metropolitan Festival held in major cities across Canada, Canadian participants onlv from the greater

Toronto is organizing a Metro-Toronto from Montreal to Vancouver [see Update Toronto area, and will not involve the more

Week in Hong Kong for the end of no. 8, Fall 1992, pp.5-7]. Senior Executive senior levels of government. The organizers.

November 1993. The program is expected to Councillor Baroness Lvdia Dunn and based in the Economic Development feature an investment seminar, business del- Governor Christopher Patten officiated at Division of Metro Hall, hope to promote

egations, a gala dinner, cultural activities, the opening and closing ceremonies, respec- partnership between Hong Kong and

and events involving all three levels of edu- tively. Business, cultural, and academic Toronto in many fields of endeavour.

cation. A side-trip to south China is also activities and people-to-people exchanges The Canada and Hong Kong Project planned for the business delegation. were prominent in both years. The festivals played an active role in the two previous fes- Metro-Toronto Week will be the third were considered vers successful in fostering tivals, holding academic workshops on Canada-Hong Kong celebration in'as many goodwill and mutual understanding between legal, political, social, and educational

years. In June 1991 the Canadian govern- the two societies, as well as in establishing issues on developments in Hong Kong and

ment held a Canada Festival in Hong Kong. more Hibstantive economic, social, and cul- Canada-Hong Kong relations." It intends to which was presided over by Prime Minister tural ties across the Pacific. continue with this involvement during

Brian Mulronev [see Canada and Hong Metro-Toronto Week is intended to build Metro-Toronto Week.

Kong Update, no. 5. Fall 1 99 1 . pp. 1-4]. In upon and further develop the fruitful con- *[A number ofthe papers presented at the autumn of 1992, the Hong Kong govern- tacts that were made in the two earlier festi- these workshops have been published or are

ment reciprocated with a Hong Kong vals. It will be smaller in scale, engaging being preparedfor publication. ]

Maintain or Reform: Dispute Within Vancouver CCC

by Hugh X. Tan Vancouver

is On Sunday 25 April 1993. Vancouver's ™ Chinatown witnessed an historical event when some 4.300 people went to the Chinese Cultural Centre (CCC) to vote for a 31 -seat

Board of Directors, from a total of 73 candi- dates. As this election would determine whether the "Committee to Maintain the

Community's Participation in the CCC" (Maintain Committee) or the "CCC Renewal Committee" (Renewal or Reform Committee) would control the Board from 1993-1995, it attracted much attention from the Chinese community and was taken very seriously b\ all parties involved. Along the streets leading to the Centre, candidates from the rival com- mittees, as well as some independent contes- tants, set up display tables, making a last

minute effort to attract more votes. Policemen

and private security guards, placed at the entrance to the voting room, checked ID's and membership cards of the voters. Observation

rooms were set up above the voting area to monitor the scene, and the accounting firm

Price Waterhouse was hired to count votes.

Founding and Activities of CCC To understand the emergence of compet- ing factions in the CCC and the importance of

this election, we need to look at the history of 1

CCC. cont'd from page 17

Vancouver's Parks Board to place a mentioned amendments, published articles in Fred Mah and Vice Chairman Bill Yee. These

Tiananman memorial plaque in the city-run the Sing Too Daily [ 1 1 January and 30 January people covered a wider range of occupations:

Sun Yat-Sen Park, adjacent to the Garden. 1993], a widely read Chinese language news- lawyers, managers, high school teacher, jour-

This idea provoked strong opposition from paper in Vancouver. nalist, businesspersons. and civil servants. the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA), an The first article, entitled "The CCC Must They were generally considered to be more

umbrella organization consisting of some fifty be Reformed." criticized the Centre for pro- established in the Chinatown area, as well as community groups. Heated debates occurred moting Chinese culture in a selective and in Canada. Most of the community organiza- between the two sides, which finally led to the restricted way. Specifically, he maintained that tions they represented or supported had a long

City's refusal of the application [see Update, 1 ) the Centre promoted "Embassy culture." as history in Canada. The slogan for this group no. 1, Spring 1990, p. 9], Three years later, only PRC newspapers and magazines were in was to keep "community participation in the some VSSDM supporters became members of the reading room, while Hong Kong and CCC, for peace, harmony and prosperity in the CCC "Renewal Committee," while some Taiwan publications were excluded; and 2) the Chinatown." Chinese community leaders were the back- Centre mostly publicized popular Chinese cul- Three major conflicting views toward the

bone of the "Maintainers group" within the ture, such as boat racing and lion dancing, and CCC and its present Board of Directors were CCC. largely ignored classical or "high level" outlined in a report based on separate inter- The second encounter between the two Chinese culture, such as education in religion, views with Patrick Chen, spokesman for the groups took place before the 1992 annual gen- philosophy, classical poetry, calligraphy and Renewal Committee, and Vice-Chairman Bill

eral meeting of the Chinese Cultural Centre. traditional painting. Yee. First, Chen criticized the Board's stagna- The CCC Coastitution Committee, headed Mr. Xu appealed to the Centre to abandon tion and lack of creativity. He saw the same

by William (Bill) Yee (also Chair of the CBA), its "cultural restrictionism" and open its programs running over and over again without

proposed to amend four areas in the existing doors to all segments of Chinese culture: new ideas coming from the directors. He also

constitution: 1 ) to change the name of the including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the PRC. and claimed meetings began hours late due to a

Centre to the Chinese Cultural Centre of overseas Chinese communities, especially lack of a quorum. Although Bill Yee admitted

Greater Vancouver: 2) to set aside 11 of the 3 those in North America. He also worked out a there was room for improvement, the vice-

seats in the Board of Directors for community general framework for reforming the CCC. Mr. chairman countered with the fact that the

organizations; 3) to pre-screen applicants for Xu's arguments, not surprisingly, became a Board did have new ideas, but the introduction CCC membership by the Board of Directors; very controversial subject in the community. of new programs depended on the resources and 4) to require candidates running for the During the months that followed, comments, of the Centre.

Board to be CCC members six months prior to criticism and counter-criticism on this subject Secondly, the Board of Directors was criti-

the election (past requirement was one month). filled the Chinese language press in cized for devoting too much energy to main- Except for the name change, these amend- Vancouver. Discussions were also aired by taining power and not to developing pro- ments aroused strong reaction from the com- Chinese language radio programmes. grams, and Chen cited the example of the munity. A public statement, signed by a num- defeated constitutional amendments. Yee

ber of former directors, present directors, and Contesting 1993 Board Elections maintained that, on the contrary, the Board

long-time supporters of the CCC, denounced In mid-January, the Renewal or Reform. usually had to beg people to serve because it

the amendments as detrimental to the Chinese (using the same Chinese character Ge Xin) was a "thankless job" - "no pay, no glory, but

Cultural Centre. Such changes would make "it Committee put forward a list of 25 candidates only work." He welcomed the Reformers to

more restrictive to become a member or to to run for the next Board of Directors of the work for the Centre, but felt they should not serve as a Board member" and thus enable "a CCC. Most of these candidates were middle- nave split the community or been so critical of small group of insiders to maintain control of aged professionals: lawyers, accountants, the people who had served in the past. the Centre without going through a truly physicians, university professors. About one Thirdly, the two factions accused each

democratic election process." On April 26. third of them were relatively new immigrants other of having hidden political agendas and

over 500 members attended the annual meet- who had lived in Canada for less than six fighting for control over the Centre. Chen

ing to vote for the amendments. About a dozen years. Ten were born in Hong Kong, while maintained that the Board of the CCC was people spoke, most of whom were against the three were Canadian-born. Two were running dominated by earlier immigrants and some proposals, and organizers maintained order for re-election to the Board. The goal of the local-born Chinese who were resentful of the

with difficulty. After heated debates, a motion Reform Committee was to change the Centre newer immigrants. Chen also claimed that the

was passed to defeat the amendments. into a more "active, accessible, and account- Renewal Committee was more representative able" organization. of the whole community and was committed Criticism of CCC Facing the challenges of the reformers, to a non-political agenda for the Centre, nei- With the rejection of these proposals, the those who felt more comfortable with the sta- ther for nor against PRC policies. Yee coun-

dispute in the community remained dormant tus quo formed the Maintain Committee to tered by saying that many Renewal members

for several months. However, it resurfaced a support their candidates for the election. This were involved in the pro-democracy move-

few months later in the factions, the committee included representatives from 12 ment which was unpopular in the larger "Reformers" and the "Maintainers," contesting major community organizations and 19 indi- Chinese community. He claimed these mem-

the 1993 Board elections. In January of this vidual candidates who supported community bers intended to use the CCC's resources to year. Mr. Xu Xing, a former Hong Kong jour- organizations. Eight of them were present reach people [Chinatown News, Vancouver,

nalist and an outspoken critic of the above- directors of the CCC. including Chairman Vol.40, No. 11, p. 17].

18 UPDATE 9

In addition to the above criticisms, some local Chinese community was noted bj the candidate obtained less than 1 ,000 votes. Renewal members also accused the CCC of mainstream press in Vancouver. The Implication of Elections misusing government funds and. because of its Vancouver Sun published three articles on the Now that the battle over the CCC diiectoi mis-management, causing a sharp decrease in election, describing the event as a battle ship has been settled for the next two years, pn\ ate donations. The CCC Board of between "yuppies" and the "old guards" in the both sides have begun to to mend their Directors stated these allegations were ground- ethnic community. fences. One of the new Board members has less and demanded an apology. suggested that people from the Renewal While these two groups were engaged in a Election Results group form an advisory board so that their war of words, 17 independent candidates On April 25 a record number of over 4.000 concerns can be taken into account. Some also signed up to run for the next Board, bring- people voted in the Board elections which last- Renewal members have also expressed their ing the total number contesting to a record ed from 8am to 8pm. A sample survey, taken willingness to work with the new Board. high of 73. Many of these independents were during the voting, showed that the Maintain While all election campaigns produce activists in community affairs who wanted to group kept a steady lead by a ratio of six to winners and losers, what is most important in work for the Centre but did not want to take four. When the results were released a week these CCC elections, in the writer's opinion, sides in the dispute. However, five of them later, the Maintain group had won all 31 is that the whole community has demonstrat- joined the Reformers group just before the Board seats, a major victory over the ed the exercise of individual rights in a demo- election. Reformers. First in the poll was Victor Lee, a cratic election system. Moreover, this election As candidates competed to recruit support- mechanical engineer at UBC, who garnered aroused people's enthusiasm in participating ers for the election, the number of CCC the most votes - 2,522. Pius Wong, a restau- in politics - which is often lacking in over- members soared in February and March. By rant businessman and a real estate developer, seas Chinese communities, especially in the

March 26. the last day to become eligible captured the 3 1st seat with 2,362 votes. The new immigrant groups. Thus, the larger sig- members to vote in the election, the CCC had most popular Renewal candidate. Dr. Thomas nificance of this election in participatory about 7,000 people registered - four to five In-sing Leung, director of the Chinese democracy is far-reaching. times the regular number. The importance of Studies Program at Regent College, collected the election and its significance within the only 1 ,620 votes, while the top independent

Tommy Tao: NDP Candidate for Vancouver Quadra

by Hugh X. Tan Vancouver

Tommy Tao. a forty-five year old Tommy Tao came from Hong Kong in Chinatown lawyer, was nominated as New 1968 after the riots there. His initial experience Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for in Canada was not without anxiety and frustra-

Vancouver Quadra in June 1992. thus becom- tion. He first went to study at the Universitj of

ing the first Chinese-Canadian nominee in the Toronto, but later changed to an electrical tech- Greater Vancouver area for the upcoming fed- nology school from which he graduated m

eral election. His riding, located quite central- 1972. He landed his first job in Vancouver as

ly in the city of Vancouver, stretches from the an electrical technician. He later attended night

University of British Columbia in the west to school and also studied at UBC.

Nanaimo Street in the east. The 1986 census It was his experience at UBC. he feels,

figures show that 102.000 people lived in this where he began to become more a part of the

multi-ethnic area, including the following Canadian way of life and accepted Canadian friends ith groups: Sino-Canadian ( 19%). Indo-Canadian social values. He made w (3.5%). German (3.4%), Jewish (2.1%). and Canadians and got involved in student activi-

ties. After graduating from UBC with degrees Italian i2'- I. In recent years many new immigrants in psychology and law in 1982. he worked in from Hong Kong. Taiwan, and the PRC have a downtown law firm for several years and the most prestigious residential areas in settled here. It is estimated at present that eventually started his own firm in Chinatown about 25% of the residents are ethnic Vancouver, upper-middle and upper class in 1987. Mr. Tao is married to Marian Leung, families predominate. Further to the east, the Chinese, while 60% are Anglo-Canadians. who is a payroll consultant. She has been an The remainder include South Asians. area between Main to Nanaimo Street is active supporter of his federal campaign as neighbourhood. Vietnamese, Filipinos, and Greeks. This area largely a working class well as in community affairs. The present of the riding is Liberal is not only diversified in ethnic background MP Mr.Tao has been a social activist ever , who is retiring this year. Edward but also in socio-economic status. Near UBC since the mid-1970s when he was still attend- retired political science and in the adjacent area, middle class profes- (Ted) McWhinney, a ing UBC. He has served on several boards has sionals and technical personnel form the professor from Simon Fraser University, and committees in Chinese community orga- the Liberal candidate. largest group, while in Shaughnessy, one of been nominated as nizations, as well as in other public groups.

Tommy Tao. cont'd page 2:

UPDATE 1 IMEWS IIM BRIEF I NEWS IN BRI

June 4th Commemorated Newspaper for "Greater China"

The massacres in Beijing and elsewhere in China on 4 June 1989 A new daily newspaper with a unique concept was launched in were commemorated in Hong Kong and other Chinese communities Hong Kong towards the end of April. The Huanan Jingji Xinwen, or around the world. South China Economic Journal, is a Hong Kong-based Chinese lan-

The candle-light vigil at Victoria Park in Hong Kong, held during a guage newspaper which focuses on economic and financial news of the rainstorm, was attended by a crowd estimated at 40.000 by the organiz- increasingly integrating region of Hong Kong. Macau, Taiwan, and the ers, at 1 2,000 by the police, and at 25,000 by the press. The size of the PRC provinces of Guangdong. Guangxi. , and Fujian. It promis- attendance was rather smaller than the 100.000-plus in 1990. the es to be a major vehicle for information and analyses on this vast area

80.000 in 1991, and the 50.000 in 1992. Nevertheless, given the pas- with a combined population of 170 million and one of the highest eco- sage of time since the tragic events, the poor weather conditions, and nomic growth rates in the world today. the vehement attacks by the PRC authorities and local ultra-conserva- The South China Economic Journal is the brainchild of its chief edi- tives on pro-democracy activities and sentiments in Hong Kong, it was tor. Chan Kai-cheung. Mr. Chan, a media wizard with degrees from considered by observers to be still a very strong show of support. Hong Kong and Oxford in engineering, information science, and sociol-

There were commemorative marches and candle-light vigils in ogy, has wide experience as a journalist in North America and television

Toronto and Vancouver, each attended by hundreds of ethnic Chinese executive in Hong Kong. The paper is published by the Jademan Group, and other Canadians. Ministers of the Ontario government participated the largest shareholder of which is the Sing Tao Group which also pub- in the vigil held at the bronze sculpture memorial which was installed lishes the Sing Tao daily newspapers in Toronto and Vancouver. last June 4th on the campus of the University of Toronto. Toronto Chinese TV Licence Before Memoirs of Xu Jiatun CRTC

Since May 4. the World Journal (Shih-chieh Jih-pao), which is wide- The Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) is consid- ly circulated in Canada, has been publishing instalments of the memoirs ering renewal of the licence of Chinavision, the Chinese language cable of Xu Jiatun, former head of the Xinhua Branch in Hong Kong. 1983- television station in Toronto. The station, first founded in the mid- 1989, and de facto representative of Peking in Hong Kong. Xu left 1980s, has been plagued by financial difficulties under its original own- China for California in 1990. shortly after the end of his term in Hong ers during the last few years. The owners also came under criticism for Kong. He has subsequently been expelled from the Communist Party of business dealings with the PRC authorities that resulted in news report- China and denounced as a traitor by the Peking authorities. Xu claims in ing allegedly biased in favour of those authorities during the the first instalment of his memoir that he still regards himself as a Tiananmen movement of 1989. socialist and a communist, though now outside the Party. A consortium, which includes a Netherlands-based subsidiary of

Hong Kong Televison Broadcast Company Ltd. (HK-TVB), is seeking

Asian Business Certificate Program CRTC permission to buy the station. The participation of HK-TVB is welcomed by many subscribers as likely to improve the standards of During and June, the Asian Business Studies Program of the May programing. However, very serious concern also has been voiced about Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies offered a highly successful Asian the possibility of interference after 1997 by the PRC authorities, via the Business Certificate Course. The eight, full-day sessions included Hong Kong company, in news and current affairs programs of a overviews of the Asia Pacific region and international marketing and a Canadian televison station. focus on the business environment in specific countries - Japan. Taiwan. Korea, the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong. Thailand and Vietnam. The last two sessions focused on the area of cross-cultur- Golden Palm Award at Cannes Film al effectiveness and negotiations simulation. Festival Speakers included specialists from the academic and business envi-

ronment as well as government. For example, at the session on the The Palme d'or for the best film in 1993 was won by the Chinese

"Markets of Greater China: Hong Kong and the PRC," Mr. Peter Chen film. Farewell to My Concubine. It was shared with a New Zealand

(formerly a professor of Management at Chinese University of Hong film. Farewell was made in Beijing by a Mainland director, Chen

Kong and now a private business consultant in Canada) gave a back- Kaige. a Taiwanese producer. Hsu Feng, and a cast from Hong Kong ground briefing on Hong Kong. Both he and Mr. Meng Deyi, the and the Mainland, including Hong Kong singer-turned actor Leslie

Commercial Consul of the Consulate General of the PRC, spoke on the Cheung. It was financed from Hong Kong.

business environment of China. Marketing in Hong Kong was This was the first such major collaboration in film-making by the addressed by Mr. Henry Ng, director of the Hong Kong Trade three Chinese communities and the first time that the award has been

Development Council in Toronto. The session concluded with a fasci- won by a Chinese-language film. It enjoyed a successful run in Hong nating discussion by Mr. Tom Yu of UNIFIN International, a Canadian Kong but has been banned in both the PRC and Taiwan, mainly for company which exports heat transfer systems for heavy industry, on the political reasons.

challenges faced by his firm in the process of negotiating and "doing

business" in China.

20 UPDATE en TIT nnm ESSE l=ll=lJ Vancouver Policeman Studies in This new award recognizes successful Canadian entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. The name comes from some of Canada's earliest Hong Kong entrepreneurs, the voyageurs, who travelled through the country's

lakes and rivers b\ canoe to set up trading posts. John Cameron, a Vancouver police constable stationed in Chinatow n. "Thorssen truly embodies the spirit behind the award," saj S went to Hong Kong in April to learn more Cantonese and policing skills Harold Mandel, chairman of the Forum Committee which initiated at the Royal Hong Kong Police cadet school. He is the first North the Voyageur Award. "He took a calculated risk and has now estab- American policeman to be sent to study in Hong Kong. His air fare was lished a very successful business. He has created a niche for himself provided by the Vancouver Chinatown Business Association. in a very competitive market h\ selling unique Canadian products to the Hong Kong market." Thorssen owns 100% of SMED-Asia Ltd.. which buys from sever- New President of CCCHK al Canadian office furniture manufacturers and imports to Hong Kong. Macau and China. He sells to the end user through his local Eliza C.H. Chan was appointed the new president of the Canadian partner Logic Office Supplies Ltd. His plans for 1993 and 1994 Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on May 29. at the Chamber's include joint venture factories in China and opening showrooms in annual general meeting. Beijing. Shanghai and Xiamen. A native of Calgary. Alberta, Ms. Chan, a partner at the Hong Kong-based law firm Jewkes & Thorssen started SMED Asia in 1989. Partners, is a barrister and solicitor qualified to practise law in Hong More than 25 nominations for the award were received, and the Kong. England. Wales, and Canada (British Columbia). She has a criteria forjudging was detailed. Nominee questions included diploma in People's Republic of China law and acts as a consultant on specifics, such as the percentage of revenue derived from sales of PRC law. She is also a consultant to Osier Renault Ladner. Canada's Canadian products and/or services, their particular niche in the mar- largest law firm. ket, and their contribution toward the exchange between Canada and Hong Kong business. Canadian Students Winners of CCCHK Trade Competition Canadian Immigration Responsibilities Shifted to Department of Public Security Ngai Au and Michael Chan. MBA students at McGill University in Montreal, are winners of the 1992-93 Canada-Hong Kong Trade On 25 June. Canada's new Prime Minister. Kim Campbell, Competition sponsored by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in announced cabinet changes and reorganization of some federal Hong Kong. Their business plan investigates the possibility of setting departments, including Employment and Immigration Canada (EIC). up a state-of -the-art public information and commercial advertising Immigration responsibilities will be divided between two federal system in Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway. Their submission won departments. Public Security and Human Resources and Labour.

in a field of 29 entries from 8 1 graduate-level students across Canada. Most immigration functions, including policy, selection, and enforce- Their plan involves the use of Visual Communication Network, a ment, will now fall under the jurisdiction of a new super ministry, the Canadian product which features flicker-free animation sequences Department of Public Security, headed by Solicitor-General Doug along with a mixture of text and graphics. With VCN installed on the Lew is. Included in this transfer are also divisions in charge of immi- MTR people would be able to see the latest news, financial informa- gration operations and regional offices, international sen ice. and the tion, and weather reports. VCN would also assist hearing and visually Business Immigration Program. Responsibility for settlement and impaired people in station identification. Even emergency message levels of immigration will remain in the new Department of Human announcements could be made. Resources and Labour, under Minister . This competition, now in its 7th year, entails the submission of a Reaction by refugee and immigration groups has been strongly business plan which sets up a Canadian product in Hong Kong. negative. The changes were denounced as an implication by the Tories Judging is based on understanding of the business environment, inno- that "refugees and immigrants are all a danger to this country." An vation, viability, depth of research, clarity, and presentation. editorial in the Toronto Star [14 July 1993. p.A18] reiterated that the new Prime Minister "thinks immigrants are in the same league as con- Thorssen Wins CCCHK's Voyageur victed criminals and potential troublemakers from whom the nation Award needs protection." It asked the question: "Why must we have an Orwellian agenc> treating immigration as a police or security matter?"

Bob Thorssen. managing director of SMED Asia Ltd.. is the win-

ner of the Canadian Chamber's first Voyageur Award [see Update,

It no. 9. p.15]. was presented at the Chamber '.s Spring Ball on May 29 at the Island Shanari-La Hotel.

UPDATE 21 Tommy TaO, cont'd from page 19

His positions include former director of the Tommy Tao sees himself first and fore- this end. he wrote an article, "The Terrible Chinese Cultural Centre and the Chinese most as a Canadian candidate, rather than a NDP," for Sing Tao Daily, which outlined the

Benevolent Society, and past Chair of the "Chinese-Canadian" one. In his nomination differences between the Communist Party in Special Advisory Committee on Race acceptance speech, he identified his major East Asian counties and the Canadian NDP.

Relations to the City of Vancouver. Still a concerns: protection of the environment, eco- Regarding the head-tax issue, Mr. Tao sup- member of the latter, he also serves as a nomic development, national unity, and ports individual monetary compensation, trustee of the Vancouver Art Gallery and a equality for women, visible minorities, homo- although he feels the amount is negotiable. He member of the Provincial Committee for sexuals, and the disabled. He also addressed has spoken and written on this topic on many Police - Visible Minority Relations. the unemployment issue and reform of the occasions and helped MP Margaret Mitchell to

A dedicated member of the New Canadian tax system. prepare materials for presentation in Parliament.

Democratic Party, Tommy Tao worked from A strong opponent of the North American Tommy is also a supporter of the recent 1981 to 1987 as a part-time Constituency Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mr. Tao Renewal Committee of the Chinese Cultural

Assistant to Margaret Mitchell, MP (NDP), thinks it would only harm Canada's Centre [see "Maintain or Reform" p. 17ff.).

Vancouver East. At present, he is a NDP sovereignty and weaken the country's ability In his federal election campaign. Tommy

Provincial Council Delegate for Vancouver to compete in the world economy. He thinks Tao is running on a motto that stresses "hon-

Kensington. Given his intensive party com- NAFTA is nothing but a "me-too" response to esty": "to make an honest effort, to give an mitments, it was not surprising that he accept- U.S. trade policy, which cannot solve our honest answer, and to be honest to the voice ed the invitation to run for the federal nomi- economic problems. His solution to the econ- of the people as well as to the voice of my nation, although not without some hesitation omy is to break our habitual dependence on conscience." Realizing the importance of at first. the U.S. market and develop closer trading keeping in close touch with his constituency.

In June last year, he defeated another party relations with Asia Pacific and European Tommy has made a concerted effort to per- candidate, Liz Carr-Harris, and became the countries. One way to develop these relations sonally visit many residents in his riding -

NDP nominee for Vancouver Quadra. Due to is to use the connections of new immigrants over 1,500 households by now. Accompanied his long-term involvement with the party, he [Sing Tao Daily, 26 May 1993, p. 1 ]. He also by one of his assistants, he has enjoyed many was able to persuade NDP members, regard- appeals to Canadians to stop their reckless in-depth conversations with residents and has less of their racial background, to support exploitation and destruction of the earth's valued their opinions, especially criticism him, rather than depending on recruitment of resources. toward NDP policies. new supporters from outside. His logic is that Tommy's focus on national issues does if he cannot successfully convince party not mean he neglects the concerns of members to support him. how can he con- Chinese-Canadians. He has worked hard to vince people in his riding to vote for him in clarify some misunderstandings toward the the next federal election? NDP in the ethnic-Chinese community. To

Seminar on "City"

by Louise S. W. Ho Chinese University of Hong Kong

No fingers claw at the bronze gauze

Of a Hong Kong December dusk,

Only a maze of criss-crossing feet

That enmeshes the city

In a merciless grid.

Between many lanes

Of traffic, the street-sleeper

Carves out his island home.

Or under the thundering fly-over.

Another makes his peace of mind.

Under the staircase,

By the public lavatory,

A man entirely unto himself

Lifts his hand

And opens his palm.

His digits

Do not rend the air,

They merely touch

As pain does, effortlessly. On 3 June, Louise S.W. Ho gave a poetry reading and talk at York

University in Toronto. Her presentation was jointly sponsored by the

Canada and Hong Kong Project and the English Department at York.

Ms. Ho, a lecturer in the English Department at the Chinese University of

Hong Kong, teaches Shakespeare and 17th and 18th century poetry. She is

one of few - perhaps, the only - Hong Kong Chinese poet writing in

English. Many of her poems and other recent writings are concerned with

the cultural identity of language as well as Hong Kong peoples' perception

of their identity as "Chinese." Speaking about the predicament of a

Chinese poet writing in English instead of in Cantonese or Mandarin, she

felt that living across languages and cultures enhanced creativity:

"Inspiration is found at the interface between the two."

UPDATE 23 Basic Reference Works on Hong Kong

There is a large and rapidly growing body Hong Kong (World Bibliographical The Other Hong Kong Report. of serious literature in English on the eco- Series, vol. 115). (Four volume set)

nomics, politics, and history of Hong Kong. Ian Scott, comp. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, Many of these books are of a high quality. Oxford: Clio Press, 1990. 1989-92.

They also tend to be rather specialized in xxiii, 248 pages. approach. ISBN: 1-85109-089-4 Includes:

For the general reader whose work is relat- This bibliography, compiled by the The Other Hong Kong Report. [1989] ed in one way or another to the evolving situa- Canadian head of the Political Science T.L. Tsim & B.H.K. Luk, eds.

tion in Hong Kong, reliable and up-to-date ref- Department of Hong Kong University, is the xxxv, 395 pages. erence tools, which provide quick references most up-to-date and comprehensive, one-vol- ISBN: 962-201-430-5

and overviews before one approaches the more ume guide to the literature in English on Hong

specialized books, are clearly a necessity. The Kong. By its nature it cannot be as rich or as The Other Hong Kong Report 1990.

following are some reference works which full in coverage as the more specialized bibli- Richard Y.C. Wong & Joseph Y.S. Cheng,

should be of value to those with a more than ographies, nor does it contain references to eds.; xxviii, 579 pages. casual interest in Hong Kong. works in Chinese or other languages. ISBN: 962-201-494-1 Nevertheless, with more than eight hundred

Historical Dictionary ofHong Kong annotated entries in thirty different areas, it The Other Hong Kong Report 1991. and Macau. should prove to be very helpful for studying Sung Yun-wing & Lee Ming-kwan, eds. Elfred Roberts, Sum Ngai Ling, Hong Kong. xxvii, 541 pages.

and Peter Bradshaw, eds. The books, articles, and periodicals cited ISBN: 962-201-538-7

are divided into the following areas: the territo-

Asian Historical Dictionaries ry and its people, geography, flora and fauna, The Other Hong Kong Report 1992. series, no. 10. archaeology and prehistory, history, popula- Joseph Y.S. Cheng & Paul C.K. Kwong,

Metuchen, NJ and London: The Scarecrow tion, urban society and social problems, reli- eds.; 462 pages.

Press, 1992. gion, law, administration, politics, the econo- ISBN: 962-201-563-8

xlvii, 357 pages my, transport, social services, health and medi- The first of these reports was published in

ISBN: 0-8108-2574-0 cal services, housing, the environment, educa- the aftermath of the Tiananmen massacre in

In spite of its title, the emphasis of this tion, science and technology, language, litera- Beijing and the consequent crisis of confi-

book is on the post-World War II period, and ture, the arts, architecture, libraries, museums dence in Hong Kong. It was intended to pro-

especially the past two decades. Four-fifths of and archives, sports and recreation, mass vide an alternative, critical, and more readable

the book is devoted to Hong Kong; the remain- media, directories, bibliographies, and statis- survey of Hong Kong society and government

der covers Macau. tics. The annotations after each entry are often policies during the late 1980s. It followed the A lengthy introduction gives a comprehen- quite detailed and informative. There are also basic organization of the government year-

sive, if not altogether satisfactory, synopsis of indices of authors, titles, and subjects to facili- book. Each chapter was written by an expert,

Hong Kong history. A carefully selected bibli- tate the use of the bibliography. usually from the local universities, on the

ography guides the reader through books and social sector or government department con- articles on the history, politics and administra- Hong Kong 1993: a Review of 1992. cerned. tion, economy, society, crime, religion, law, Hong Kong: Government Printer, 1993. The series which developed out of that first biographies, company histories, newspapers 479 pages (English ed.) effort has established itself as a standard refer-

and periodicals, bibliographies, and statistics. ISBN: 962-02-0125-6 ence. Valued for its annually updated facts and

There are also a brief chronology and a few This is the latest annual volume of the Hong figures, as well as for its usually thoughtful

statistical tables. Kong Government yearbooks which, in the pre- and cogent analyses of issues and trends, each

The most useful part is the dictionary itself, sent series, go back twenty years. Rich in facts volume has found its place on the non-fiction

which forms the bulk of the book. It is made and figures and beautifully illustrated, it is the bestseller lists in Hong Kong.

up of more than 200 pages of entries, in alpha- best one volume guide to the organization, pro- The later volumes no longer follow the

betical order, on names and terms in the histo- grams, and activities of the government and of basic organization of the government yearbook

ry and recent developments of Hong Kong. the government's view of major events during but are structured around social sectors and

The entries are strongest on political and con- the past year. Over the decades, the series of topical themes. There is relatively little repeti-

stitutional matters, adequate on the economy, yearbooks (and their predecessors, the Annual tion from year to year since often different

and rather thin on society, culture, and person- Reports) are useful for providing a great deal of authors were called upon to write on the same

alities. Nevertheless, they provide clear, read- information and insights on long term trends of topic from one volume to the next. Taken

able, and usually accurate explanations of administrative, economic, social, and cultural together, the four volumes contain some one-

many aspects of Hong Kong. The period of development in Hong Kong. hundred independently written essays which

coverage extends from the Neolithic to the The yearbook is organized in chapters describe and dissect Hong Kong society and

Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. The which correspond more or less to the adminis- government from the mid-1980s to the early

inclusion of many intricate and intriguing trative departments of the government. There 1990s.

terms related to those two documents of the are numerous appendices covering the A fifth volume covering 1993. edited by

1997 transition should make this book of par- Executive and Legislative Councils, Hong Dora P.K. Choi. et. al, is under preparation and

ticular interest to the readers of the Canada Kong's overseas representation, and statistics should appear later in the year. and Hong Kong Update. on many subjects.

CANADA AND Chan, cont'd from page 1 HONG KONG UPDATE democracy movement for China, after the Mr. Chan's election received a very posi- Peking Massacre in 1989. He organized and tive response from the local Chinese- Vancouver, including a Editors Diana Lary was elected chairman of the Vancouver Canadian community in

Bernard Luk Society in Support of Democratic Movement dinner for 300 guests held in his honour by the Janet A. Rubinoff leaders [see Update, no.5. Fall 1991. p.15]. In Sing Too newspaper. Community January 1991 he led an international human expressed the opinion that Mr. Chan was an Illustration & IMS Creative help focus "ideal person" to be put in charge of Asia- Design Communications rights delegation to Beijing to attention on the secret trials of pro-democra- Pacific affairs and that his election was an to partici- Contributors Fatima Lee cy activists. Wang Juntao and Chen Ziming. important step for Chinese-Canadians Katharyne Mitchell He was expelled from China at that time. In pate in the decision making at the federal level. Joanne Poon 1992 he headed a campaign that helped dissi- In November he accompanied Prime Pauline Shum Minister Jean Chretien to the APEC confer- Hugh X. Tan dents Liu Yijun and Lin Lin obtain refugee briefing to the status in Canada. ence in Seattle, USA. At a he Canada and Hong Kong Update is After his election. Mr. Chan was appoint- Chinese language media in Vancouver, published 3-4 times a year by the ed Secretary of State for Asia and the Pacific, indicated that he had met with officials from Canada and Hong Kong Project a new junior ministerial position within the the PRC, Taiwan, and Hong Kong to discuss Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies. Foreign Affairs and future economic cooperation. Suite 270. York Lanes, Department of 1994, Mr. Chan visited Hong York University, 4700 Keele St., International Trade (formerly External In January leaders, North York. Ontario, Affairs and International Trade Canada). Kong where he met many local

CANADA M3J 1 P3 Patten. paid Chan's experience in Asia and his knowledge including the governor, Chris He of Mandarin and Cantonese combine to give a private visit to his ancestral place in Telephone: (416) 736-5784 dealing with Asia Guangdong. His mission to Asia, designed to Fax:(416)736-5688 him a special interest in high-level con- and the Pacific and to give Canada a new promote trade and establish also included Opinions expressed in this newsjoumal kind of visibility in the region. tacts for the new government, are those of the author alone. official visits to Japan and Thailand.

CANADA AND HONG KONG PROJECT Unfolding, cont'd from page 1 leaving the Co-Directors Diana Lary issues related to elections in Hong Kong during achieve some agreements,

late October, it Bernard Luk the remaining years of British sovereignty. The thornier issues for later. By that sides were close to talks were to remain secret, and Hong Kong was reported the two Janet A. Rubinoff Coordinator that would be a considerably would not be represented by its own delegation. a compromise 1993, 1-5] diluted version of the original package. Advisory Board David Bond [See Update, no.10. Summer pp. Mary Catherine Boyd However, no such compromise was Denise Chong Results of Sino-British Negotiations reached; and after the seventeenth round in constitution- Maurice Copithorne From April to November, the late November, the two sides did not even B. Michael Frolic al talks between the two sovereign powers agree on a date for the next meeting. John Higginbotham went on diligently for seventeen rounds and According to reports, one of the seemingly Graeme McDonald brought forth nothing. If it had been the the talks floundered Jules Nadeau easy questions on which William Saywell intention of PRC officials to kill the Patten was the issue of "how many seats to each rid-

Wang Gungwu proposals by stalling them, as some commen- ing" in direct elections to Legco. succeeded in eroding tators suggested, they It was reported that the UK delegation had away one of the four years in which relatively proposed a "single seat, single vote" arrange- taken root. democratic processes could have that is. each riding would have one seat Articles may be reprinted in whole or ment: fact that Beijing was prepared to talk, cast in part with appropriate credit to the The in the legislature, and each voter could Canada and Hong Kong Update. rather than to allow Patten's reforms to mate- one vote. The candidate that wins the largest rialize and then to abolish them in 1997 as it the votes cast would win the seat. We want to thank the Donner Canadian number of do, lends credence to Foundation for its very generous support has often threatened to Such an arrangement is widely adopted in which has made this project possible. The the suggestion that it does not dare to risk the democratic systems around the world and Foundation's long-standing interest in psychological and economic trauma of turn- enjoys consensual support in Hong Kong, Canada's international relations with Asia political clock. ing back the where it is considered as an improvement on has enabled us to conduct research which we Amidst signs of increasing frustration on seats, two votes" plan used in the consider to be of great significance for the the "two table, the foreign future of the country. both sides of the negotiating first (and so far only) Legco election in 1991. ministers of the two sovereign powers met What PRC officials are said to prefer is a This publication is free. during the summer and agreed to speed up "multi-seat, single vote" arrangement. Each Please call or write to us for past the discussions. The approach adopted was to riding would have, for example, three seats. or future issues. tackle the easier questions first in order to Unfolding, cont'd on page 3

2 UPDATE hut each voter would be allowed only one As the talks between the PRC and the UK nomic structure, consists of an extension ot vote. The candidates who win the first, sec- dragged on month after month without an) British legislation which would automatical!) ond, and third largest number of votes would visible results, the Hong Kong public became lose authority with the change of sovereignty, win the seats. more and more disillusioned with the The territory would face a legal vacuum if Such an arrangement, no doubt, would prospects. However, with the breakdown of those acts of Parliament are not made into allow more voters to have their candidates of the talks and Patten's subsequent tabling of ordinances by Legco before 1997. choice sent to the legislature. However, with- part of the proposals, his personal ratings in Similarly, Hong Kong has established in the chamber itself, the member who the polls have shown an upward trend. There many links with foreign countries and interna- enjoys, say, 60% support in the riding would is widespread support in Legco as well as in tional bodies as a British dependent territory. have only half the combined w eight of the the community for some kind of democratic Many of these links which are vital to the terri- other two members who together have only, reform to proceed, even at the risk of their tory's economy would be lost in 1997 if they

say, 30' I support in the same riding. Such an being dismantled after 1997. Patten himself are not replaced by agreements made in Hong arrangement is defended in Hong Kong main- came close to what might be calling Beijing's Kong's own name or made by the PRC on ly by the Democratic Alliance for the bluff, when he said he did not believe Beijing behalf of Hong Kong. Both kinds of discus-

Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), the party would find it wise to disband a popularly sions have been very bogged down in the JLG. of pro-Communist teachers and unionists. elected Legco the moment it assumes Where the new airport is concerned, the

"Multi-seat, single vote" is a design to sovereign authority over Hong Kong. Hong Kong government has been proceeding frustrate the expression of the popular will. with such engineering works as are within its Stock Market Reaction To insist on such an arrangement is consistent own means. Site formation at Chek Lap Kok. Meanwhile, the stock market reacted to with the PRC tactic since the mid-1980s to as well as roads and bridges linking the site to the breakdown of the talks as if that did not obfuscate public opinion in Hong Kong about the rest of Hong Kong, have progressed w ith matter. Throughout 1993, the market boomed democracy and representative institutions. typical Hong Kong speed. However, the on the strength of the expanding economies works will soon reach a stage when it in of both Hong Kong and China. By mid- Reforms Tabled Legco becomes necessary to secure Beijing's bless- In early December, Governor Patten December, the Hang Seng Index stood at ing, in order for financing to be arranged with announced to Legco that he would soon table twice the value that it had a year before, when the private sector. That blessing has been of the constitutional in the officials launched the most heated part package PRC withheld, for one reason or another, despite Council, while hoping that Beijing would attacks on Patten. In fact, it is often said that the Memorandum of Understanding reached agree to negotiate the remainder. offi- investors have become so accustomed to fire- PRC between the prime ministers of the PRC and cials accused Patten of scuttling the talks and works between the two sovereign powers that the UK in 1 99 1 . There is concern that the air- threatened to publish records of the negotia- they simply discount such political factors in port project will be held hostage to the consti- tions which, they said, would show their assessment of the market. Furthermore, tutional reforms. Since the breakdown of the

Hongkongans the hypocrisy of the British. it is generally believed in the market and in talks, some members of the public have Patten's press secretary retorted with the chal- the community that PRC agencies, officials, called for the Hong Kong government to con- lenge to publish the full minutes of all the and their relatives and friends are so heavily sider completing the project from its own rounds. the to press, no doc- involved in the Hong Kong stock market that As Update goes financial reserves. ument has been published by either side, nor they would be wary about the financial reper- is there any sign that the talks would resume. cussions of diplomatic rows. PRC Preparatory Work Committee

As the first batch of proposals went If PRC officials have been slow in cooper- Impact on Economy through first and second readings in Legco in ation over matters relating to Hong Kong's PRC officials at various levels have pub- mid December. Hong Kong officials indicat- long-term economic development, they have licly stated that they would not allow the con- ed that if talks were not resumed, the remain- been quick in making political moves to stitutional disagreements to affect the economy, ing proposals would most likely be tabled in counter the proposed reforms for more and there are good reasons to believe them. At the spring, so that they could be made law in democracy. A preparatory work committee the same time, both the Sino-British Joint time for the local elections in 1994 and the was appointed by Beijing during the summer Liaison Group (JLG) and the meetings on the Legco elections in 1995. [see Update, no. 10, Summer 1993, p. 5] to Port and Airport Development Scheme have study the specific steps to be adopted by the Popular Support Proposals been making excruciatingly slow progress, for PRC for the takeover in 1997 (or before During the fifteen months since Patten with significant implications for Hong Kong's 1997, as some officials threaten). It was antic- first put forward his package, public opinion long-term economic development. ipated that some members of the committee polls have consistently shown that about one- The is the ambassadorial-level work- JLG may be named to the new government after third of Hongkongans support greater democ- ing party responsible for negotiating the the transfer of sovereignty. The committee ratization no matter what Beijing says, while details of the transfer of sovereignty from the was instructed to speed up its work after the another third prefer have well the future of Hong to more democracy UK to the PRC, as as breakdown of the talks. if it without present, a sig- could be enjoyed a confrontation Kong's external relations. At However, the committee, consisting of with PRC authorities. Only about one-tenth to nificant proportion of Hong Kong's statute PRC officials. pro-Communist elements from one-fifth are opposed to democracy. law. including much of the law for the eco- Hong Kong, and former British-appointed

Unfolding, cont'd on page 4

UPDATE 3 Unfolding, cont'd from page 3 had never worked for, or had been opposed to, He has been held incommunicado and with- political figures who are opposed to democra- women's rights. A major plank in the platform out trial since then, in spite of repeated tization, does not enjoy much credibility in of the group is to uphold the Basic Law, appeals by his employers and by a number of

Hong Kong. Within the committee itself, one which is a code word for opposing democratic leading figures of international journalism. pro-Communist member has outspokenly reforms. And the DAB, the pro-Communist At about the same time, it was announced regretted having to rub shoulders with knight- Hong Kong party, is planning to establish that the Murdoch group had decided to sell its ed minions of British imperialism! If the youth wings on university campuses. stake in the South China Morning Post to the committee is to gain more credibility by Kuok family. The Post is one of the most influ- Kong Media broadening its membership, it runs the risk of Hong ential newspapers in Hong Kong and perhaps In the area of press freedom, two signifi- greater cleavages within its own ranks. This the most important English-language newspa- cant developments this past fall were found in is a problem inherent in the PRC strategy per in eastern Asia. It had been unflinching inauspicious by many Hongkongans. Mr. Xi towards Hong Kong of building a united front its reporting on developments in Hong Kong Yang, a reporter for the prestigious Hong made up of conservative business elements and the PRC. Its new owners, the Kuok family, Chinese-language newspaper. Ming and long-time Party loyalists. Kong are billionaires with close arrested on the Mainland by State In other areas, the united front strategists Pao, was ties to top-level leaders in Beijing and no previ- Security for allegedly divulging state secrets have set up an all-Hong Kong women's ous interests in newspapers. retrenchment of PRC banking. group, under the leadership of women who in his story on

1992 and 1993 - Applications and Visas, HKCLPR

by Diana Lary UBC, Vancouver

1993* Applications 1991 1992 Applications by class 18458 18123 The composition of the applicant group is The decline in the number of applications Hong Kong 39712 (86%) (69%) (69%) changing. The proportion of people applying for landed immigrant status in Canada from Seattle 681 521 669 as independent immigrants went up substan- people whose country of last permanent resi- New York 379 478 540 indicating a large increase in dence was Hong Kong (HKCLPR) has not tially in 1993, Buffalo 1091 1384 2476 the number of people who feel qualified to been reversed. While over 46,000 applied in Chicago 211 375 189 apply under the points system. 1991, only 26,678 applied in 1992. Figures Atlanta 291 1167 695 for 1993 are still incomplete, but look similar Detroit 302 385 299 1992 1993* to 1992's. Singapore 338 294 147 Family Class 9214(35%) 1916(7%) More striking than the overall decline is Boston 278 279 131 Refugees 10 2 the change in the places where applications Los Angeles 495 520 428 Assisted relatives 4695(18%) 11526(44%) are made. Until 1991 the great majority of Dallas 376 222 168 Business 6254 (23%) 4009(15%) applicants applied in Hong Kong. That pro- Tokyo 52 22 II Retired 75 183 portion declined to a little over two-thirds in Minneapolis 90 74 10 Independent 3430(13%) 8663 (33%) both 1992 and 1993. The most common rea- London 541 752 938 sons for making applications away from Total 26678 26299 Rome 539 480 23 are convenience (an applicant is Hong Kong * lo November 1993 Sydney 127 36 9 living away from Hong Kong already) and Bangkok LOO 43 89 speed of processing (the processing time is Bogota 40 76 162 often shorter at posts other than Hong Kong). Visas issued. Hong Kong CLPR Mexico City 244 373 546 The majority of applications not filed in While the number of applications has Other 327 709 626 contin- Hong Kong were made in the USA, often in declined, the number of visas issued Total (Non of places close to the Canadian border. The ues to rise. Visas issued are the product 8176 Hong Kong) 6502 8220 in some number of applications made at other posts in applications made some time before, (14%) (31%) (31%) as years. Here too, the Asia is quite low, as is the number made in cases as much two 46214 26678 26299 Australia. Total proportion of visas issued to people from » lo November. 1993 Hong Kong at posts other than Hong Kong

continues to rise. Again the bulk of visas not

These figures represent the number of issued in Hong Kong were issued at posts in individuals involved and are roughly three the USA. times the number of cases involved. The total number of cases for 1991 was 14,500, for 1992 9,496, and for 1993 9,829.

4 UPDATE Visas Issued: .

Recent Developments in the Hong Kong Stock Market

by Pauline Shum Department of Economics, York University, Toronto

The Hong Kong stock market is undoubt- influence. Particularly in the U.S. and Japan, edly one of the hottest stock markets in the sluggish economic growth, low interest rates, world right now. The blue-chip Hang Seng and high price-earning ratios have forced index soared 3,539.83 points (or 50.36%) in investors to seek opportunities abroad in four and a half months, from 7,029.03 in the search of better returns. Consequently, an beginning of August, to a record high of unprecedented amount of overseas money 10,568.86 on 17 December, 1993. Summary has been poured into the Hong Kong stock statistics for the daily index for each month market.

(August to December, 1993) as well as the Asian Pacific mutual funds with a sub- entire period are reported in Table 1 stantial share in Hong Kong stocks have

The boost in August came mainly from become the hottest item for both American encouraging corporate interim reports and the and Canadian investors. In fact, the record expectation that there would be progress in talks between China and Britain on the long-stalled new air- port project. In September, the mar- ket was quiet, espe- cially compared with the record surge in October during which the Hang Seng index gained 24.34%. Also, on October 18. the Hang Seng index broke the 9,000 level for the first time. Profit-taking halted the upward trend in November. The market bounced back quickly

in December, reaching another all-time high and breaking through the once formidable 10,000 level on 10 December 1993. A record $11.94 billion H.K. ($1.53 billion U.S.) changed hands on the same day. What differentiates the recent bull run

from previous ones is the extent of foreign Metro-Toronto Week in Hong Kong

In response to Festival Hong Kong '92. "Education in Metro Toronto." were prepared York University was represented b} sponsored by the Hong Kong Government and displayed at a reception hosted by Metro Professors Jamie Cameron ( law ). Bryan across Canada last year (Sept.-Oct. 1992), the delegates. Two educational seminars were Massam and Alex Murray (both from em iron Council of the Municipality of Metropolitan held, one at the Canadian Commission and mental studies and urban studies), and Peter Toronto organized a Metro-Toronto Week in the other at the Hong Kong Education Mitchell and Bernard Luk (both from history Hong Kong during 28 November to 4 Department's Study Abroad Unit. Questions and humanities.) Vice-President Ian Lithgow December 1993. The Torontonian delegations raised included: the necessity for Ontario aca- also took part in some of the activities. totalled more than two hundred members, and demic credits (OAC) for the entry of Hong The academic delegates met with their were led by Mr Alan Tonks. Chairman of Kong graduates into Ontario universities, the counterparts in workshops at Hong Kong Metro Council. The activities in Hong Kong problem of obtaining information on Metro University and The Chinese University of were coordinated by Mr Andrew Szende. for- schools, and the safety of the school environ- Hong Kong, and had some very stimulating mer Ontario Agent there [see Update, no. 9, ment for Hong Kong students. and fruitful discussions, especially on envi-

Spring 1993. p. 15]. Ms Tarn Goossen. a trustee of the Toronto ronmental and urban research, on legal con- Most of the members of the delegation Board of Education, was also invited to speak nections or comparisons between Canada and were from the business sector and included at The Chinese University of Hong Kong on Hong Kong, and on gerontology. Ways to representatives from architectural, electronics, "Multiculturalism and Education in Toronto" promote Canadian studies in Hong Kong and environmental technologies and building and on "Chinese Canadian Participation in Hong Kong studies in Canada were dicussed. materials companies. Emphasizing the promo- the 1993 Federal Election". The delegates also visited The Hong Kong tion of Metro Toronto as a major investment The academic delegations from the University of Science and Technology. The and trade centre, the week-long activities University of Toronto and York University City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, and other included trade displays, education and invest- were charged with exploring areas for collab- institutions. It is anticipated that a number ment seminars, and cultural exchange pro- oration or exchange in research. The of concrete projects will be developed out of grams. These meetings were useful in promot- University of Toronto was represented by these contacts. ing and maintaining contacts between Metro Acting Vice President-Research and The Hong Kong chapters of the alumni and Hong Kong business people. The busi- International Relations Derek Corneil. associations of the University of Toronto and ness delegation also hosted a gala black-tie Professors David Blostein (English), Marion York University hosted receptions for their dinner for Hong Kong's business community. Bogo (Dean, Faculty of Social Work). Robert respective delegations. These groups are There were a number of delegates from Sharpe (Dean. Faculty of Law). Paul among the largest and most active chapters of Metro's education sector, representing the Thompson (Principal. Scarborough College their respective alumni associations, outside

Toronto Board of Education, all four commu- and Environmental Studies), and Mr. Thomas Metro-Toronto. nity colleges, and Ryerson Polytechnical Wu (senior advisor. Institute of International

Institute. A video and pamphlet, entitled Programs).

Martin Lee Visits Toronto

fry Janet A. Rubinoff Toronto

In late November. Martin Chu-ming Lee. at U. of T. on "Hong Kong at the Hong Kong, given China's hostile position on member of the Hong Kong Legislative Crossroads." It was well attended by an audi- Governor Patten's modest proposals for con- Council and leader of the United Democrats ence of Canadian and Hong Kong academics stitutional reform [see Update, nos. 9 & 10. of Hong Kong, came to Canada on a private and students. p.l ff.], the breakdown of Sino-British negoti- visit. When in Toronto, he was hosted During the two seminars. Mr. Lee made a ations in mid-November, and the projected

Monday. November 29. by the Joint Centre strong plea, in a calm but passionate manner, tabling in Legco of the less controversial for Asia Pacific Studies, the Canada and for the establishment of democratic institu- democratic proposals. Hong Kong Project, and the Institute for tions in Hong Kong before 1997 in order to Mr. Lee was particularly concerned about

International Programmes (U. of T). In the maintain its present way of life and safeguard the concessions Britain had made to China in afternoon Mr. Lee gave a seminar for York the "rule of law" when the territory becomes a modified proposal last August - lowering students and faculty on "Issues Related to a Special Administrative Region of the PRC. the voting eligibility in the functional con-

Constitutional Development in Hong Kong." Mr. Lee's message conveyed a pessimistic stituency seats to only one-third of the work- In the evening, he addressed a public seminar picture of the prospect for democracy in ers and the division of the Election Commit-

Lee. cont'd on page 8

UPDATE 7 Lee, cont'd from page 7

Mary Boyd (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Paul Evans (Director, JCAPS), Martin Lee, and

Stephen Lam (Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office).

tee into four sectors - which meant after 1997 bound to be "watered down." Then Britain the Department of Foreign Affairs and

China would control not only the executive could say in the end that it had presented International Trade. The dinner was hosted by but also the legislature and the Election democratic reforms to the legislature and they Prof. Harry Arthurs, President Emeritus of Committee. With the 17th round of talks over, had been rejected by the people of Hong York University, and Prof. Adel Sedra,

he commented that not even a preliminary Kong. However, since the majority of Legco Vice President and Provost of the University

agreement was reached between Britain and is appointed ( less than one-third of the mem- of Toronto.

China on the less controversial matters like bers are directly elected), the councillors are Other events during Martin Lee's visit to the lowering of the voting age in Hong Kong not really representative of the popular will of Toronto included a dinner on Sunday, to 18 (as in the PRC). When asked why Hong Kong. November 28 with the Toronto Association

Britain had "watered down" the proposals last Therefore. Mr. Lee strongly advocated for Democracy in China, hosted by its presi-

summer. Mr. Lee felt that both the U.K. that the Government of Hong Kong hold a dent, Dick Chan. The Hong Kong Economic Foreign Office and British businessmen had referendum for Hong Kong voters on the con- and Trade Office also sponsored a meeting

put a lot of pressure on the government and stitutional reforms as originally proposed by and luncheon with the local media on Governor Patten. He found this very ominous Governor Patten in October 1992. In other Monday, the 29th. On Tuesday. November

[see B. Luk, "Unfolding Drama", pp. 1-4). words, if Britain is serious about establishing 30. the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, He felt that the Hong Kong judiciary also more democratic institutions in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association could do little on its own after 1997 to main- they should "go to the people." When asked (Toronto Section), and the Hong Kong tain the present "rule of law" and human why Hong Kong needed democracy now Economic and Trade Office sponsored a

rights in Hong Kong. The judiciary is ulti- since it had functioned well without such rep- lunch at the Mandarin Club where Mr. Lee mately bound to uphold the laws passed by resentative institutions in the past, Mr. Lee was the featured speaker. The luncheon was the legislature, and a pro-Beijing Legco after replied that ultimately the colonial govern- mainly attended by members of the local 1997 could negate past legislation, including ment in Hong Kong had to answer to an business community. the 1991 Bill of Rights. Such a Legislative elected British parliament, which had guaran- During this speech. Mr. Lee warned busi- Council would be a useful tool to sidetrack teed a rule of law. He asked a simple and ness people against looking only to short the judiciary. He concluded that Hong Kong poignant question: "How can the rule of law term economic gain and ignoring political would become more like the present political exist without democracy? Where does Hong issues. He felt, in particular that business system in Singapore. Kong look for protection after 1997?" men and women should actively support the

Lee was also very critical of Patten's The afternoon talk was followed by a din- establishment of democratic institutions, the amended proposals which were to be tabled in ner at the University of Toronto in honour of Bill of Rights, and the rule of law in the ter-

Legco by mid-December. He felt China would Mr. Lee with invited guests from the faculties ritory - measures that would insure the eco- increase the pressure on conservative Legco of both universities and a representative of nomic as well as political future of Hong members, and the proposals submitted were Kong after 1997.

8 UPDATE Chinese Christian Churches in Metro Toronto

by Fatima Lee University ofToronto

Throughout Metro Toronto, especially in Chinese Protestant Churches stay in Canada after their studies in the late

l northern Scarborough and Willovvdale. one Chadwin Mak. executive director of the I >r>()s. formed the backbone of these church- can easily spot brand new churches, which at Chinese Coordination Centre of World es. The average size of these congregations is first glance resemble any other Christian Evangelism-Canada, has charted the growth now about 200, but some are as small as 30 churches on Toronto streets. However, a sign of Chinese Protestant churches in Canada. while others are over 1,000. on the front wall or lawn in Chinese charac- Since the establishment of the first church in The Chinese Protestant churches were ters reveals a special quality - it is, in fact, a 1879 in Victoria. B.C.. Chinese Christian either founded by missionary concerns of Chinese Christian church. Many such church- churches have witnessed a significant local mainstream churches - which tended to es are flourishing in these neighbourhoods, as increase. According to a study conducted by be the case before the 1950s - or grew sponta- well as in the suburbs of Markham and Mak in 1986. for which questionnaires were neously out of self-initiated Bible study Thornhill. At a time when low church atten- sent to 43 Chinese Protestant churches in the groups. Others were nurtured and formed by dance rates in mainstream Canadian society Toronto area, the number of churches missionaries from Hong Kong or established are causing concern, the phenomenal growth increased tenfold during the years 1962 to by ministers who were themselves immigrants of Chinese Christian churches is intriguing. 1985. The peak period of growth came or. on rare occasions, created by missionary

Retention of an ethnic religion is often between 1976-1980. Membership in these branches from a church in Hong Kong. used as an indicator of non-assimilation. For churches also increased substantially. When Recently, however, the most common - the Chinese, the assumption is that the ethnic first founded, these churches averaged 24 model seems to be that of "church planting" religion would be Buddhism. Taoism, and/or members, but in 1986. the average was 248. a conscious and concerted effort of local

Confucianism. It follows that conversion to Recently updating his data (summer 1993). Chinese Protestant churches to build more Catholicism or Protestantism for the Chinese Mak indicated there are now 97 of these institutions in newly developed, ethnically would be an indicator of assimilation. Here, churches with a total membership of 18.985 concentrated areas. Mak indicated that there in cities like Toronto, record numbers of (see table 1 below). The last five years have are now twenty-five Baptist churches and

Chinese immigrants are converting to one of seen a significant surge in numbers. eleven Methodist churches in the Metro the "mainstream faiths." but in all other Predictably, the peaks of growth in Toronto area, while most other Protestant aspects - in terms of social organization and Chinese Protestant churches have coincided denominations have from two to five churches. social support - are retaining the characteris- w ith the two waves of Hong Kong immigra- Another interesting development should tics of an ethnic church. This phenomenon - tion to Canada, in the late 1960s to early be noted. While there are certainly new con- the retention of ethnicity despite conversion 1970s and in the past several years. verts to each of these churches, there are also to a "mainstream." western religion - is a According to Mak. new immigrants, as well many "transfers" between denominations. For challenge to the traditional concept of assimi- as post-secondary graduates who opted to example. Christians who were originally lation. Hence, whether in magnitude or con- tent. Chinese Christian churches in Toronto are worth examining.

Christian Churches: Protestant and Catholic Because of their distinctive social organi- zation. Catholic and Protestant churches must be treated separately. In Roman Catholicism, all local churches - whether in Asia. Africa.

North or South America - are in communion

with the Church in Rome. Catholics worship

and participate in the life of the local church,

but they are at the same time a member of the

universal church and are subject to the authority of the same hierarchy. Protestant

churches, however, stress more the autonomy

of each faith community. Such communities

can be created or disbanded as need arises.

For this reason, the growth of Chinese

Protestant and Catholic faith communities

take different directions. Churches, cont'd from page 9 from another denomination in Hong Kong - 400 to 500 new converts have been added to a natural increase in the number of Christians

say, Lutheran or Pentecostal - could be par- the parish - a phenomenon not matched by with every incoming group of immigrants.

ticipating in Baptist or Methodist church ser- any Catholic parish, either in Hong Kong or in However, the number of new converts is phe- vices here in Toronto. However, participation Toronto. At the time of writing, this parish is nomenal.

in the formal ministries of the churches still using two high school halls for Sunday The process of immigration for most peo- requires admission to the denomination. masses. A massive fund raising project is now ple approximates a real life crisis event. The According to Mak, Protestant churches underway to raise CDNS2.5 million to build a feeling of insecurity in moving to a new here are much more willing to stress their new church in the Markham area, with a seat- country, the lack of a familiar social support - commonalities than their differences. A sense ing capacity of 900. network, the anxiety in searching for jobs of cooperation and coordination prevails. Since 1992, the Archdiocese of Toronto all contribute to the individual immigrant's

Their joint effort in the media ministry is a has given permission to establish a third search for a deeper meaning in life. For many good example. The Herald Monthly, with a Chinese Catholic parish in Richmond Hill, immigrants, it is during these moments that circulation of 70,000, and a weekly pro- due to an increasing number of Hong Kong religion becomes most attractive. It not only gramme on Cable Television CFMT-Toronto, immigrants in that area. provides meaning but social support as well. as well as various radio broad- Protestant churches, in particu- in mobiliz- casts, are all products of denom- lar, are very strong - inational collaboration. ing social support fellow- ships, home visits, meetings for Chinese Catholic Churches new immigrants, and services

The Chinese Catholic for the elderly. Sometimes new churches have taken a very dif- immigrants themselves are

ferent form of development. As organized to provide services

mentioned above, because of for others which, in turn, eases

the "universal" character of the their own adjustment to their Church, some Chinese immi- new lives. grants worship in their local The interest of many parents

"mainstream" parishes. in giving their children a However, similar to what hap- Catholic education, which was pened with the Protestant inspired by their past experi- churches, the two waves of ence of the high expectations of Hong Kong immigration also academic performance and

had their impact on the estab- moral education in missionary

lishment and expansion of three schools in Hong Kong, has Chinese Catholic parishes. been identified by some The oldest parish was estab- observers as one of the causes

lished in the Dundas-Spadina for the dramatic surge in the Chinatown area in 1967, in a number of converts to former Jewish synagogue on Catholicism. Many parents

Cecil Street. Three years later, it apparently are attracted to the

moved into another church in faith by way of the schooling. the neighbourhood vacated by While the Chinese Christian the Portuguese immigrant com- churches are serving very par-

munity. Currently, about a thou- ticular functions in providing sand people regularly attend meaning and social support, masses at the parish. Toronto Chinese United Church they must also brace for new adaptations. With the influx of the second wave of Will they be able to continue to serve the Hong Kong immigrants to Scarborough and needs of the next generation - children who

environs, another Chinese Catholic parish was immigrated at an early age or are locally bom founded in October 1987, located in northeast of Chinese immigrants? Or will their role Scarborough. At that time, 98 families were Reasons for the Growth diminish with the gradual integration of the spectacular growth in registered, totalling about 300 persons. By Why is there such a new immigrants and their children into main- converts in the 1992, 1,141 families had joined, for a total the number of churches and stream society? The answers to such ques- general, both membership of 3,350. Each year since 1989, Chinese community? In among tions will only gradually unfold. Protestant churches and Catholic parishes, the

increase is related to incoming waves of immigrants. Since about 8% of the population

of Hong Kong is Christian, one would expect

10 UPDATE Zoning Controversies in Vancouver

by Katharyne Mitchell Department of Geography University of Washington, Seattle

For three months in the autumn of 1992. a century British landscape tradition, connoting been dictated by exclusive marketing and pri- series of public hearings were held in an easy and natural pastoral life. The demoli- vate zoning covenants since its inception. For Shaughnessy. Vancouver, regarding a proposed tion of smaller, English-style buildings and the example, in 1914 the Shaughnessy Settlement neighbourhood zoning amendment. (The construction of much larger houses with mini- Act "recognized and sanctioned the undertak-

Shaughnessy area, on the west side of mal lawns threaten these 'natural' associations, ings of the Canadian Pacific Railroad to

Vancouver and near the University of British and have provoked great unease among older ensure Shaughnessy 's status in the city." This

Columbia, is one of the wealthiest districts of residents. As a result, several urban social 'status' was defined by social prestige, which the city.) Despite what seemed like an early movements got started in the late 1980s with in turn was defined largely by both 'race' and consensus favouring tighter zoning and archi- the express purpose of curbing the new 'mon- class. The Building Restriction Act in 1922 tectural design controls, the hearings quickly ster' homes through zoning for lower floor was similarly used to exclude undesirable became controversial. As the weekly meetings space ratios and stricter design controls. social elements from the neighbourhood; dragged on. divisions were apparent between Taken at face value, the new zoning these 'undesirables' included the working long-standing residents, who favoured the amendments represent anxiety over rapid classes and Chinese immigrants. Following downzoning amendment, and more recent resi- urban change and a desire to secure the mean- the Second World War, west-side neighbour- dents, many from Hong Kong, who opposed it. ings and associations of an imagined British hoods opened marginally, but Shaughnessy From the perspective of many long-term past. However, newer Hong Kong immigrants Heights remained overwhelmingly Anglo- Shaughnessy home owners, the 1992 down- to these neighbourhoods worry that the zoning Protestant through the end of the 1970s [see zoning amendment was a measure that was contains underlying assumptions having to do Vancouver Local Areas 1986, City of already too little and too late. Demolitions and the construction of so-called 'monster' houses

(large, boxy dwellings that extend to the out- ermost edges of the lots) have occurred with Local Areas of Vancouver great frequency in many west-side Vancouver neighbourhoods since the early 1980s. In the space of one decade, the annual current value of building permits for residential construction in Vancouver jumped from approximately

CDNS230 million in 1981 to just under

CDNS700 million by 1991 . Much of this building has occurred in west-side neighbour- hoods, such as Shaughnessy and Kerrisdale.

House prices have behaved in a similarly volatile manner, with the overall median sales price for single-family dwellings and condos in the west-side rising from CDN$ 150.000 in 1983 to well over CDN$500.000 by 1992.

Several houses in the area doubled or tripled in value within the space of a single year, as

'flipping' - buying and selling houses for speculative purposes - became increasingly common in the late 1980s [see Vancouver with questions of ethnicity as well as those of Vancouver Planning Department. June 1989].

Trends. City of Vancouver Planning landscape and house design. Is the appropriate Given the history of the area, it is not sur- Department. 1992; The Vancouver Monitoring community 'character' of Shaughnessy one prising that a number of recent immigrants

Program, August 1992, p. H2; and S. that is predicated on notions of Anglo- from Hong Kong oppose the zoning amend- Hamilton. "Residential market behaviour: Canadian identity? Are the zoning amend- ment of 1992. Nevertheless, many long-term

turnover rates and holding periods." The ments directed at excluding large houses or at residents argue that their concern is not about Launer Institute. 18 April 1990]. excluding the people arriving from Hong Kong? exclusion but about an unwanted change in For many long-term residents, neighbour- Some recent Chinese immigrants in their environment and lifestyle that is rapidly

hoods like Shaughnessy symbolize security, Shaughnessy buttress their arguments against spiralling out of control. For these reasons, the tradition, and heritage. Much of the residential the new amendments by pointing to the perni- controversy offers no easy solutions, and plan-

architecture reflects the English cottage style, cious history of zoning in the area. The shape ners and politicians in Vancouver have despaired

and the gardens are planned in an eighteenth and character of Shaughnessy Heights have of finding an acceptable compromise.

UPDATE Eleanor Ng: Marketing Chinese Software John Cameron: Police with by Diana Lai? Officer 3000 UBC. Vancouver Cantonese Words

by Hugh X. Tan There are many different systems for enter- In the past, writing in Chinese usually Vancouver almost any meant writing by hand. Chinese typewriters are ing Chinese into a computer, for of need and knowledge. Chinese program- too cumbersome for widespread use. Chinese type John Cameron, a Vancouver police transmitted directly by ming has also been extended to include characters cannot be officer, returned last summer from study- be dialects. It is now possible to enter characters telegraph or telex. Characters have to ing Cantonese and policing skills at the from Cantonese pronunciation and also to write numerically encoded and the numbers transmit- Hong Kong Police Training School [see destination. Now, characters which are only used in Cantonese. It ted, to be de-coded at the Update, no. 10, Summer 1993, p. 21]. In have is even possible to enter Chinese characters in limitations to the modem use of Chinese November, Hugh Tan, a research assis- translation. has made it English, a rudimentary form of been overcome. The fax machine tant for the Canada and Hong Kong characters, while There are now more than a hundred and possible to transmit Chinese Project, interviewed Constable Cameron have thirty Chinese language programmes available breakthroughs in computer software about his experiences in Hong Kong, his telecommuni- in the North American market, and many more opened up word processing and study of Cantonese, and police work in are in the design stage. Research activity is so cation. the Vancouver Chinese community. and Eleanor Ng gave up a secure, professional intense in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, North America that the life time of a pro- job in Hong Kong to migrate to Canada. Ms Our conversation began with my question half College in gramme is quite short. Within a year and a Ng was the librarian at Lingnan about his interest in learning Cantonese. John emigrated to Canada in a programme is outdated, unless it has been Hong Kong. When she told me that he grew up in the west-side of substantially upgraded. With this range of soft- 1988, she realized that it would be impossible Vancouver, and encountered other cultures of job here, so she set up her ware, buyers need advice and an assessment to get a comparable for the first time when he attended Churchill computer hardware the capacities of different software; they need own business, marketing Secondary school in the Oakridge area where good - on the to be matched with a programme which meets and software. Her timing was a good portion of the students were of her store coincid- their needs. This is the market niche which software side. The opening of Chinese origin. of quantum Eleanor Ng has developed. ed with the beginning of a period When John was 19, he became a reserve processing possibilities for Chinese language software has made huge growth in the word officer in the municipal police force. Three Asian languages. Ng devel- advances possible in the use of Chinese and Chinese and other years later, he was hired as a full time police fluently, in language software - enabled people to write rapidly and oped an expertise Asian officer. His duties included patrolling in the to use then in Japanese, but it is not miraculous. It is impossible first in Mandarin Chinese, downtown area and working in a jail adjacent Punjabi, serving a the software unless the user already has a sub- Vietnamese, Korean, and to Chinatown. While working at the jail, he Asian language users. stantial knowledge of Chinese. The only excep- growing number of noticed that some people could not speak or for teach- users? They fall into several tion is software specifically designed Who are the understand English, which made it difficult for In education, high schools ing. Translation from one language to another different categories. them to communicate with the police. He teaching pro- requires a bilingual user; the software is never and universities use special decided to learn a second language to improve their students learn. In the more than 80% accurate, so that a good com- grammes to help the service and chose Cantonese, as it is an mand of the language is essential to make cor- business world, trading companies, lawyers, important minority language in the city. rections. and real estate agents use Asian languages to He began taking evening courses in their clients, both here and The field is expanding rapidly. New pro- communicate with Cantonese at Language Village, a private government agen- grammes can be expected to come on the mar- in Asia. In the public sector, educational institute in Vancouver. His communicate ket at short intervals, especially in the area of cies use various languages to instructor taught him spoken Cantonese, private indi- machine translation. The programmes will with multilingual clients. Finally, using the Yale-System Romanization. This or not, use have faster operating speeds and be more user- viduals, whether of Asian origin system consists of three elements: conso- personal word pro- friendly. Multilingual software, using several Asian languages for their nants, vowels and tones. The combination of help their chil- languages on one programme, will be available cessing and buy programmes to a consonant and a vowel produces a sound, greater compati- retain the knowledge of Asian quite soon. There will also be dren acquire or which is further divided into six tones. bility between PC and MAC systems, and the languages. Different tones indicate different Cantonese was initially interface between Mainland and Taiwan sys- Japanese language software words, distinct in meaning. While John catching tems will improve. Chinese language e-mail ahead of Chinese, but Chinese is now found the sounds relatively easy to pro- Taiwan, the can also be expected soon. up. Programming work is done in nounce, the tones were difficult to master. He increasingly North PRC, Hong Kong, and and his instructor had a lot of laughs as John Contact: Eleanor Ng America. One of the earliest programmes, practised his tones, often saying something 9671 Gilhurst Crescent Tianma. was designed in Canada and has completely different from what he had great Richmond, B.C. V7A 1P3 recently been upgraded. There is now a intended. range of programmes designed for specialized Phone: 604-377-3902 Fax: 604-241-8831 Cameron, cont'd on page 13

12 UPDATE Cameron, cont'd from page 12

After Finishing beginning John also valued the level Cantonese. John relationships he developed accepted a position in wiih his classmates. He

Chinatown as one of two lived at Ihe police academy patrol officers and was able while studying there, and he to put his Cantonese to good and other trainees use. In January 1992. he was exchanged much informa- awarded a plaque by the tion about police work and Chinatown Merchants' 2^ j issues in Vancouver and Association, and he gave a ^ Hong Kong. After he short speech in Cantonese returned home last summer. which impressed local store John and his police col- owners. John felt that trust leagues in Vancouver were began to develop in the invited to attend a two-week community w hen there was training program in Hong less of a language barrier. Kong this past October. In March 1992. the This program focused on Chinatown Police police matters rather than Community Services Centre language. was officially opened. This As a result of his inten-

Centre was funded by the sive training last spring. John Cameron giving a speech in Cantonese province and the city to strengthen links John has become very fluent in Cantonese. between the police and the Chinese commu- He estimates that he knows about three thou- nity. At the opening ceremony, John gave sand Cantonese words and does not have another speech in quite fluent Cantonese. In which paid his salary while he studied in Hong much difficulty in understanding daily spo-

November 1992. he also addressed a commu- Kong. The Chinatown Merchants' Association ken Cantonese. However, he is continuing his nity forum in Cantonese, speaking about the provided his air ticket, and John paid the efforts to improve his language and is now

Police Centre, its functions and future. school's tuition fee of CDNROOO. Before taking private lessons in advanced Cantonese.

Towards the end of 1992. in an effort to leaving, he held a press conference in One successful method he uses to learn the improve his language ability. John applied for Vancouver. Upon his arrival in Hong Kong he language is to record an English sentence and admission to the Hong Kong Police Training was also interviewed by the local press. its Cantonese equivalent on tape and then lis- 3- School, which offers Cantonese classes for On April 13. John began his intensive, ten to it when he drives home from work. He non-Cantonese speaking police staff. months' language training at the Hong Kong finds it easier to pick up the correct pronunci-

However, he was informed that the school Police School at Wong Chuk Hang. The ation when he is relaxed. He finds the mas- was only for training police staff in Hong course was from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday tery of Cantonese very helpful to his present Kong, not for those from other countries. In to Friday. Upon completion of the entire pro- job and anticipated future police work. fact, nobody from overseas had ever applied gram, each student took two exams - one In particular. John feels that his language for these courses. given by the police school and the other by ability has given him more rapport with local

Deciding that he wanted to study interme- the Hong Kong Government Civil Service shopkeepers on his patrol in Chinatown, and diate level Cantonese. John contacted the Testing Branch. After taking the latter, John he and his colleague have developed a good - school again and was informed that he should received the highest grade ("great credit') relationship with the community. Conse- phone the head of the Training Department of one of only three people in the whole class to quently, they are better informed and more the Hong Kong Government. He did so and receive this rank. effective in their job of catching local crimi- talked to the officer in Cantonese. By During his stay. John not only learned nals, like pickpockets. Finally, John com-

February 1993. he received an official accep- Cantonese but also a great deal about police mented that Vancouver's Chinatown used to tance letter from the Hong Kong Police work and the culture of Hong Kong. He be considered an unsafe and even dangerous

School for the intermediate class, in which he attended a seminar on triads, which was help- place for police to patrol. Shop owners were would learn Cantonese with thirteen other ful for his policing in Vancouver. He particu- also considered to be indifferent and uncoop- police officers, who were from England but larly enjoyed practising with a shooting erative with the police. Now he feels that this had worked in Hong Kong for many years. assimilator, a machine with a big screen is a unfair stereotype that must be corrected.

He was the first Canadian to be accepted. showing some situations in which one is With cooperation between the police and the John's efforts to learn Cantonese were sup- required to use a real gun to shoot at crimi- community, he finds the Chinatown area safer ported by his associates and colleagues as well nals. This machine is not yet available in and more peaceful than many other parts of as the Vancouver municipal police department. Vancouver. Vancouver.

UPDATE 13 Hong Kong Visitors to Vancouver

by Joanne Poon University of British Columbia

Several distinguished visitors from Hong Kong people democracy, but that Hong Kong viewed in the media and gave two talks - one

Kong have been in Vancouver recently. Last people are afraid to stand up to the Chinese to students at the University of British

September at a meeting sponsored by the government. Columbia and the second to members of the Vancouver-Hong Kong Forum Society, the In November, Brian Tak-hay Chau, Hong Kong Forum Society. Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Secretary for Trade and Industry, was in He spoke with some pessimism about the Canada, and the Canadian Chinese Radio, Vancouver on his way to the APEC Summit state of PRC/UK negotiations (then still Dr. Chen-ya Huang, Legislative Councillor in Seattle, where he represented the Hong underway). He felt that the concessions and member of the United Democrats of Kong Government. He spoke forcefully and already made to the PRC side had under- Hong Kong, declared that Hong Kong people with great enthusiasm about Hong Kong's mined the possibility of an independent legis- should not rely on the British and the Chinese present and future role as the premier busi- lature after 1997, without in any way satisfy- governments but should fight for reforms on ness hub of Asia and a bastion of capitalism. ing Beijing. Without an independent legisla- their own account. His speech focused on the He was confident that Hong Kong would ture, the continuation of the present rule of latest developments in Governor Patten's always maintain its pre-eminent position as a law in Hong Kong cannot be guaranteed. constitutional reforms. He predicted that the trading centre, even if other centres, particu- This is why the electoral process is so impor- most likely outcome would be that no agree- larly Shanghai, emerged strongly. tant. Fair and credible elections are essential ment would be reached, and the British gov- At the end of November, Martin Chu- if Hong Kong is to remain the thriving hub of ernment would unilaterally pass the reform rning Lee, leader of the United Democrats, Asian trade. In the short run, he was not proposals to Legco for scrutiny. Legco mem- passed through Vancouver on his way to a deeply concerned about PRC threats to set up bers will probably divide into two groups. family wedding in Toronto, and also for visits a 'second stove' if Patten were to force

The liberals will support the reforms while with two old friends. Secretary of State through Legco his original proposals for the others will try to revise the proposals. The Raymond Chan in Ottawa and 1994 and 1995 elections. He saw it as just

British government will be able to claim that Undersecretary of State Winston Lord in that - a threat, which if carried out, would it is not Britain's intention to deny Hong Washington, D.C. Mr. Lee was widely inter- make the PRC a laughing stock.

Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Toronto Moves Into New Headquarters

On 1 September 1993, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto

moved its offices to a recently renovated his-

toric mansion on St. George Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony and official reception were

held on 1 2 November, presided over by Secretary for Trade and Industry. Brian T.H. Chau and Art Eggleton, federal minister and former mayor of Toronto. The event was attended by over 100 Canadian and interna- tional dignitaries. The new address and phone

numbers are:

174 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario CANADA M5R2M7 Tel: 416-924-5544 Fax: 416-924-3599

Contacts: Director: Stephen Lam Deputy Director: Gracie Foo Hong Kong Chieflnformation Officer: Alex Choi Economic & Trade Exec. Officer: C.P. Chan Office

14 UPDATE NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF

Ming Pao Daily "Red Capitalism": Hong Kong Vicar General Newspapers CBC-TV Documentary Visits Scarboro Foreign Special on Shenzhen Missions The Ming Pao, the 4th largest circulating Chinese language daily newspaper in Hong CBC-TV aired a one-hour documentary spe- Scarboro Foreign Missions, the Catholic Kong, with an upmarket readership there of cial on Sunday, January 16 at 8:00pm. The pro- congregation of missionary priests of nearly half a million, launched its Toronto and gramme, entitled "Red Capitalism," focused on Anglophone Canada, celebrates its 75th Vancouver editions, respectively, in spring and the city of Shenzhen, a boom town - "rich, bois- anniversary in 1993. The congregation was autumn 1993. Each daily newspaper of the terous and capitalist" - in China's prosperous founded to send missionaries to China and Canadian editions consists of several pages of Guangdong province. Just across the border other parts of the world. Canadian political, economic, social, and cul- from Hong Kong. Shenzhen exemplifies the Rev. John Tong, vicar general of the tural news edited locally, as well as Hong recent economic revolution in China, including Catholic diocese of Hong Kong, was invited Kong. China, and world news and other copy all the corruption and contradictions that boom to visit Scarborough in November to give the produced in Hong Kong and transmitted elec- brings. In little more than a decade, the city has keynote address at the celebration. Fr Tong is tronically to the Canadian offices. grown in population from 20.000 to 3 million. also director of the Holy Spirit Study Centre, The Ming Pao joins the Sing Tao, another Filmed last summer, the documentary tells the Catholic think tank on religious issues in Hong Kong-based daily newspaper which has the stories of some of the individuals drawn to the People's Republic of China. He spoke on been serving the Chinese-reading public in this booming city: the ambitious young man the situtation of the church in China today. Canada for tw enty years. The Sing Tao is who abandons his respectable state-assigned job- While visiting Metro-Toronto, FrTong probably the most multinational newspaper in for-life to come to Shenzhen under false pre- also took the opportunity to meet with any language in the world, with some fifteen tences, hoping for work; the American golf Catholics from Hong Kong, of whom there separate daily editions published in Asia, course designer who. along with thousands of are several thousands. North America. Australasia, and Europe. other foreign businessmen, dreams of China's A number of other Hong Kong-based market of 1 .2 billion consumers, now finally newspapers are also easily available in within reach. There is the salesman of custom Toronto and Vancouver. The Chinese-lan- doors and windows who thinks nothing of guage Hong Kong Economic Journal trans- throwing a $3,000 banquet, so important are the mits its Hong Kong edition by satellite to business relationships in Shenzhen. There are Canada where it is printed for local circula- also the farmers who have nothing to do, now tion on the same day. while the English-lan- that their land has been appropriated for factories. guage South China Morning Post produces a "Red Capitalism was written and produced weekly international edition in Hong Kong by Mark Starowicz of CBC-TV 's which is air freighted to Canada. Several Documentary Unit in association with BBC other Chinese-language newspapers are edit- Television. For further information, contact: ed in Hong Kong, printed in San Francisco, Lynn Gough. CBC-TV Current Affairs, and distributed throughout North America. Toronto; phone: 4 1 6-205-6637. The Ming Pao. w hich describes itself as "the Canadian new spaper that speaks Chinese.*' has been well received by the Chinese-reading public and by local advertis-

ers since its launching in Toronto. It chief edi-

tor, Mr. Richard Yao. who has had many

years of journalistic experience in Canada, was recently elected to the mainstream Ontario Press Council.

UPDATE New Project Publication

The third book in the Canada and Hong Kong, wrote the lead article, which is entitled United States." The first two articles focus on Kong Papers series has been published this "The Role of the New China News Agency the political integration of Hong Kong with January 1994. Based on a project workshop and China's Policy Towards Hong Kong." China while the last highlights the growing held 11-12 June 1992, the book is entitled The volume also includes two shorter policy economic relationship between China and Hong Kong and China in Transition and con- papers, one by Prof. Falkenheim on "China's Hong Kong and the implications for U.S. tains three revised papers and an introduction Evolving Region-Centre Relations: Impli- policy of the economic integration within by convenor of the seminar. Prof. Victor C. cations for Hong Kong." The other policy the Greater China region.

Falkenheim. Department of Political Science, paper is by David Michael Lampton, The book can be purchased directly University of Toronto. President of the National Committee on US- from the Canada and Hong Kong Project

John P. Burns, Department of Politics and China Relations, on "Hong Kong and the (see below). Public Administration, University of Hong Rise of 'Greater China": Policy Issues for the PROJECT PUBLICATIONS

Canada and Hong Kong Papers:

No. 1: Politics and Society in Hong Kong towards 1997, Charles Burton, ed., 1992. $12

No. 2: Canada-Hong Kong: Some Legal Considerations, William Angus, ed., 1992 $12

No. 3: Hong Kong and China in Transition, by J. Burns, V. Falkenheim, & D.M.Lampton, 1994.

Research Papers:

No. 1 : Economic Integration of Hong Kong with China in the 1990s, Yun-Wing Sung, 1992 $7

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Please enclose cheque or money order payable to YORK UNIVERSITY. Return form & cheque to: Canada and Hong Kong Project Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies York Lanes, Suite 270 York University, 4700 Keele Street North York. Ontario, CANADA M3J IP3 3

CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE

SPRING 1994 Number 12 *° \k m ft ii m

Deteriorating Prospects for Hongkong Bank of Canada Donates $1 Million Smooth Political to University of Toronto Transition

The Hongkong tion of the Canada and by Bernard Luk Bank of Canada will be Hong Kong Project rt' York University, Toronto donating one million beyond the Donner dollars over the next Foundation grant. The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the five years to the The donation was Future of Hong Kong provided for a govern- University of Toronto, announced in a grand ment of the Special Administrative Region in support of two major ceremony and recep- ( HKSAR ) that would be made up of Hong projects. One is a series tion held at the Kong people and would be autonomous, of books on Asian Governing Council except in foreign affairs and defence. Beijing business to be edited by Chamber of the would not impose on Hong Kong changes in the Faculty of University of the social system and way of life. Management of the Toronto. President The process of drafting the Basic Law of University. The other is Williain Dalton. presidi 'nt of the Hongkong Bank Rob Prichard of the the future SAR by a Beijing-appointed com- a Resource Centre to be of Canada, and Rob Pi ichard. president of the University and mittee, during 1986-90, eroded many of the established under the University of Toronto. President William democratic and autonomous features of the Canada and Hong Dalton of the Bank Joint Declaration [see Update, No.9. Spring Kong Project. (See accompanying story, p.3) both spoke about the growing ties between 1993. p.l ff.]. When Beijing promulgated the The Canada and Hong Kong Project, as part Canada and Hong Kong and the importance Basic Law in 1990. several months after the of the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies of of strengthening the connections between Tiananmen massacre. Hong Kong people the University of Toronto and York University. their respective institutions and the Hong reacted with alienation. In 1991 they gave a will be the beneficiary of about half of the Kong immigrant communities in Canada. resounding victory to pro-democracy parties donation. The Resource Centre will be estab- The Resource Centre to be established in the first ever direct elections to the lished in the Joint Centre premises on the cam- with the grant was seen as a significant Legislative Council (Legco). pus of the University of Toronto. This generous partnership between the institutions and the A new British policy, adopted during 1992. support from the Bank will ensure the continua- communities. aimed at restoring some of the democratic and

$1 million, cont'd on page 3 Deteriorating, cont'd on page 2

IN THIS ISSUE:

Deteriorating Prospects for a Smooth Vancouver Forum Seminars on Hong Kong Chinese and Japanese Language Education 1

Political Transition 1 Immigrant Issues 7 Seminar on Hong Kong and Canada

Hongkong Bank of Canada Donates Recent Developments in the Hong Kong Business Initiatives 13

$1 Million to U of T 1 Stock Market 8 Three U of T Profs Honoured 15

Resource Centre for Hong Kong Studies 3 Hong Kong Economy Continues to Boom 8 Workshop on Identity of Hong Kong 15

Transfer of Heads of Government Missions 5 Ming Pao Indices of Political and New Project Publications 15 Economic Confidence 9 Regional Variations in Settlement of Lambert Appointed Canadian

Hong Kong Immigrants ? News in Brief 10 Commissioner to Hong Kong 15 per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND )

$1 Million, cont'd from page i

The ceremony was fol- 1980s, it has built a large

lowed by a formal dinner at network of branches in

the official residence of the British Columbia, Ontario,

university president. It was and other parts of Canada,

attended by Ontario with headquarters in

Premier Bob Rae and other Vancouver. It is a sub- dignitaries. The need to sidiary of the Hongkong strengthen ties across the and Shanghai Banking Pacific and between Hong Corporation, which was

Kong immigrants and first established in Hong

mainstream society was Kong in the 1 9th century

reiterated by academic, and is now one of the business, and political lead- largest multinational banks

ers. in the world. This donation

The Hongkong Bank of marks the Bank's first

Canada is the seventh major academic partnership

largest bank in Canada. in Ontario.

Since being chartered in the

Premier Bob Rae with Bill Daltcm and Rob Prichard at University of Toronto Reception.

Resource Centre for Hong Kong Studies

The Canada and Hong Kong Project is around which the Resource Centre will build A proposal to establish the Resource Centre establishing a Resource Centre that will be a its collection.) The Project is also in the pro- was prepared by Diana Lary. Bernard Luk. and permanent collection of research materials on cess of acquiring a complete set (since 1980) of Janet Rubinoff during the summer of 1993. developments in Hong Kong. Canada-Hong the valuable Hong Kong Newspaper Clippings which eventually received the support of the

Kong relations, and the immigrant communi- of the Hong Kong Catholic Social Communi- Hongkong Bank of Canada. It is expected that

ties from Hong Kong in Canada. The Resource cations Office. the Resource Centre will begin operations this

Centre is made possible by a generous donation The Project began planning for such a summer.

from the Hongkong Bank of Canada to the resource centre in 1992 when it commissioned a It will function under the co-directors of the

University of Toronto for this purpose. (See study by Peter Yeung, former curator of the Project and will be coordinated by a research

1 accompanying story; p. . Hong Kong Collection of the Hong Kong officer who has extensive knowledge of The Project has been collecting reference University Library, to survey existing holdings Chinese and English materials on Hong Kong materials on these issues since its inception in in major Toronto libraries on Hong Kong, rela- is bilingual in English and Cantonese. This

1990. The materials have formed the database tions between Canada and the territory, and the officer will be responsible for collecting print-

of the Project to support the editing of the immigrant communities from Hong Kong. The ed and electronic publications, ephemera, Canada and Hong Kong Update and the refer- survey found only a limited number of publica- manuscripts, and other materials through pur- ence service made available to the public. They tions, with very significant gaps, in the universi- chase, deposit or exchange agreements, and for

include books, magazines, government docu- ty and public library collections. These collec- community liaison, as well as for organizing

ments, research papers, articles in learned jour- tions were quite inadequate for serious research the collection for use by researchers and seri- nals, and newspaper clippings, totalling some or for public information on these areas which ous readers from universities and the general

5.000 items. (This database will be the core are of concern to Canadian society today. public.

Deteriorating, cont'd from page 2 The most dramatic example took place joint press conference with Martin Lee, leader

that they had agreed The united front strategists have been con- when Dr. Cheung Ping-leung was appointed of the United Democrats,

Adviser. is organizations to form a new cerned about their isolation from the Hong Hong Kong Affairs Cheung an aca- to merge their two Party. Kong mainstream. They have made some efforts demic who also heads the second largest pro- Hong Kong Democratic Cheung to include a handful of pro-democracy personal- democracy party. Meeting Point, w hich has expressed the hope that as an Adviser to Beijing, would able to reconcile PRC ities among the Hong Kong Affairs Advisers, consistently advocated "democratic retroces- he be groups in the Preliminary Working Committee, or the sion" of Hong Kong to China. His appointment officials and pro-democracy Hong could have signified Beijing's success in isolat- Kong. The officials quickly denounced him for lower-level District Affairs Advisers. A few dis- ing the consorting with subversives and withdrew his trict board members and leaders of the smaller United Democrats of Hong Kong, appointment. pro-democracy parties were appointed to one or which holds the largest number of directly elected seats after more of these bodies, but soon became disillu- in Legco. Soon he was on page 4 sioned about being able to build bridges. appointed, however. Cheung announced in a Deteriorating, cont'd

UPDATE 3 Deteriorating, cont'd from page 3 54' Other recent events have contributed to cern when he said that the Hong Kong govern- 1 support among the respondents. Half of the increased anxiety. Xi Yang, a reporter for the ment would study ways to amend the television respondents believed that the Alliance should Hong Kong newspaper Mini; Pao, was arrested licensing rules to protect the independence of not be disbanded after 1997, while only 12%

news departments from station owners. believed that it should in the PRC last September for allegedly be. Some three-quarters events divulging state economic secrets in articles he These recent have pitted the Hong of the respondents believed that Hongkongans wrote on the macro-economic efforts to cool the Kong public and PRC officials against each had the responsibility to contribute towards other. Against this background, other more pos- democratization in China. overheated Mainland economy. In April, it was learned that he had been tried in camera and itive developments remain muted. The Joint It was a strong showing of popular convic- ambassador-level sentenced to 12 years in prison. Liaison Group, the working tions and aspirations that have to be a factor in

The arrest and the secretiveness of proce- party of the two sovereign powers to handle the Hong Kong's political development. Their dures were seen as a threat to press freedom. details of the transfer, whose proceedings had denial could not be the premise for the future Hong Kong journalists demanded explanations been interrupted by the constitutional disagree- stability of the Special Administrative Region. from the New China News Agency (which rep- ments, resumed its work during the spring in Lu and the other PRC officials are not prepared land sales, military lands, future pass- to resents the PRC government in Hong Kongl. areas of allow Hong Kong people to govern Hong There were petitions, meetings, demonstrations, ports, and the new airport. Both sides declared Kong with even limited democratization under their to the hunger strikes, and mass signature campaigns intentions cooperate on economic mat- "one country, two systems" formula. for the release of Xi. ters even though they had failed to agree on When the Joint Declaration was concluded,

matters. it PRC officials continued to insist that Xi had political The atmosphere of the meet- was anticipated in Hong Kong that PRC constructive. authorities broken the law in China and deserved his sen- ings seems to have been While no would have the time and opportunity tence. The officials reiterated that Hong Kong dramatic breakthroughs have been achieved by to learn, during the twelve-year transition peri- reporters covering PRC news should observe early June, the community remains hopeful that od, what made Hong Kong work. It was hoped the restrictions on the Mainland, but refused to an agreement on financing the new airport is they w ould come to appreciate the need to run be specific about what those restrictions were, within reach. The economic prospects have the Hong Kong goose on a long leash, while saying that the reporters "ought to know." been far rosier than the political. retaining for the PRC power over defence and In this climate. Ping, the foreign relations and of the The Xi Affair has left doubts in Hong Kong contradictory Lu a share golden eggs. about freedom of thought and expression after Beijing minister in charge of Hong Kong affairs, They were not expected to do anything which

1997. As the two economic systems become visited the territory in May. The major address might frighten the goose and stop it from laying with more and more integrated, giving rise to an that he made in English to the business commu- eggs. However, every expression of the will increasing need for cross-border flow of infor- nity highlights this contradiction. He stressed popular in Hong Kong, the PRC authorities mation, press freedom could no longer be a that Hong Kong's value to the PRC is an eco- have tightened the leash. merely domestic issue for Hong Kong. nomic one and that Hong Kong should remain While Hong Kong people are to be deprived

Freedom with regard to reporting of Mainland an "economic city" and not become a "political of the constitutional means to defend their

it hearth in "political city." it is news and then any other news that may be of city"; otherwise, would become detrimental to home and a by no interests with disastrous results. clear that a Beijing-appointed govern- special interest to PRC officials would be the of the PRC. means threatened. Hong Kong should focus on making money and ment w ould be able to protect Hong Kong not think about changing China. against competing claims from Mainland inter- The issue of self-censorship is an element of - press freedom. A dispute within Asia While Lu refused to meet with Patten during ests such as rival ministries, provinces, Television Ltd. (ATV), one of Hong Kong's his week-long stay in Hong Kong, since he con- municipalities, firms, or powerful personalities - commercial broadcasters, arose between the sidered Patten's constitutional proposals as a some of which Beijing itself might consider news department and the management of the veiled attempt to prolong British colonialism, less than legitimate. It is even doubtful that company. The news department's special pro- some commentators, in turn, see Lu's speech as Beijing can safeguard its own interests in Hong such intrusion. that happens, gramme to mark the 5th anniversary of the the most open admission of PRC intentions in Kong from When Tiananmen massacre included footage shot by a Hong Kong after 1997. would the goose still be able to lay golden

Spanish television crew on the square during That a large number of Hong Kong people eggs? And if Hong Kong, the "economic city," the June 4 crackdown. The management disagree with Lu was demonstrated vividly a falters, what will happen to its social and politi- stability? attempted to remove the Spanish film to anoth- few weeks later. More than 45.000 people took cal er programme. When the two sides could not part in the candlelight vigil at Victoria Park, come to an agreement, the six most senior commemorating the fifth anniversary of the After a marathon debate lasting - members of the news department resigned from Tiananmen massacre a larger attendance than from 9 am on 29 June till 5 o'clock the company to protest against management for the last two anniversaries. These annual the following morning, the interference. observations are organized by the Hong Kong Legislative Council adopted by 32 to

Hong Kong has long enjoyed a free press, Alliance in Support of the Democracy 24 votes, Governor Patten's consti- in one of the freest in Asia. However, self-censor- Movement China, which has overlapping tutional package to broaden the ship by press organizations with regard to the membership with the United Democrats and franchise. other pro-democracy parties of Hong Kong. PRC has been a growing concern among jour- A number of more conservative or A Hong Kong University telephone survey nalists and in the community for several years more democratic amendments to of 500 adults, conducted shortly before the [see Update, No. 3, Winter 1991, pp. 8-9]. the package had been narrowly anniversary, found that the Alliance still enjoyed Recently, Governor Patten reflected public con- defeated before the final vote.

4 UPDATE Transfer of Heads of Government Missions

Both Mr. John Higginbotham. head of the Canada, has a staff often, which makes it one

Canadian Commission in Hong Kong, and Mr. of the larger foreign missions in town.

Stephen I. am. director of the Hong Kong Mr. Lam came to Toronto in 1991 after

Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, are serving in other Hong Kong government offices completing the respective terms in their present 0\ ei seas and in the Chief Secretary's Office in postings this summer, and will be transferred to Hong Kong. Before the Toronto office w as set other prominent positions by their governments. up. Hong Kong's relations with Canada were

Mr. Higginbotham is one of the leading handled from the offices in the United Slates. experts on Chinese affairs in the Canadian Within a few years, Mr. Lam has built verj sig Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International nificant linkages in several Canadian cities w nh

Trade. After a long and distinguished career in government, business, community, and academ- Ottawa and Beijing, he was posted to Hong ic circles and established a real presence for the Kong during the stormy days of 1989. He has Hong Kong Government in Canada. His col- played a very significant role in formulating leagues and successor will be able to build upon and implementing the policy to help Hong a very firm foundation. Director Stephen Lam and Commissioner Kong maintain its confidence and institutional Mr. Lam's next posting will be as a Deputy John Higginbotham at a reception at the Hong stability towards 1997 and beyond. As Secretary in the Hong Kong Government Kong Economic Trade Office in Toronto Commissioner for Canada in Hong Kong, he Secretariat. His successor in Toronto will be has presided over the building of many substan- Mr. Chin-Man Leung, currently Deputy Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office tial linkages between the two societies, espe- Secretary for Constitutional Affairs in Hong (HKETO) in Canada. The HKETOs represent cially in terms of intergovernmental coopera- Kong. To date a number of farewell receptions the Hong Kong government overseas. They are tion, bilateral and triangular (with PRO trade have been held in Stephen Lam's honour, established under the terms of the Sino-Bntish connections, as well as demographic, educa- including one on 28 June, hosted by Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong, tional, cultural, and academic ties. He has also Metropolitan Toronto Chairman Alan Tonks at to provide a representation distinct from that of been a member of the Board of Advisors of the Metro Hall. the UK before 1997 and of the PRC after 1997. Canada and Hong Kong Project since its incep- Since Hong Kong is not a sovereign power, the tion. [See "Lambert Appointed Canadian HKETO enjoys not diplomatic, but "senior offi- Mr. Lam is the founding director of the Commissioner to Hong Kong", on page 15]. cial" status. The Toronto office, covering all of

Regional Variations in Settlement of Hong Kong Immigrants

by Diana Lary UBC, Vancouver

The patterns of regional distribution of Major provincial destinations, immi- Hong Kong immigrants across the provinces of grants CLPR Hong Kong Canada have shifted noticeably over the past few years. While the numbers and proportions Ontario B.C. Alberta Quebec of people going to the Maritimes and the 1988 Prairie Provinces have not altered appreciably,

the proportions of people going to Ontario.

British Columbia, and Quebec have changed

significantly.

Proportional Distribution

Ontario continues to receive the largest pro- portion of immigrants from Hong Kong,

though this share has been declining steadily since 1990. British Columbia has always held

second place, but the gap between Ontario and

B.C. has narrowed from year to year, from

thirty-six percentage points in 1988 to twelve

in 1993. Variations, cont'd from page 5

Immigrants admitted from Hong Kong, by province

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

Alberta 2257 1623 2535 1830 3198 B.C. 5188 4849 7660 6309 9162 11302 Manitoba 409 267 340 314 405 352 NB 33 41 39 52 70 51 Nfland 30 28 17 14 43 34

NWT 7 9 17 18 4 4

Nova Scotia 63 71 95 77 142 193

Ontario 13527 10812 16032 11222 16967 15642

PEI 5 3 12 4 13 29 Quebec 1380 1912 1939 2310 5532 4809 Sask 390 319 342 207 492 460

Yukon 4 1 7 3

Total 23293 19934 29029 22357 35797 36077

Urban Areas Within each province, the pattern of settlement continues to be over- whelmingly in the major cities. Toronto took 87% of Hong Kong immi- grants to Ontario in 1988, 86% in 1989 and 1990. 73% in 1991 , 66% in

1992 and 71% in 1993. These proportions do not take into account settle- ment in places immediately adjacent to Metro Toronto. The pattern of urban concentration shows up even more clearly in

British Columbia. There the proportions of Hong Kong immigrants set- tling in Vancouver were: 1988,95%; 1989 96%; 1990 97.5%; 1991 96%; 1992 95%; and 1993 90%.

Immigrants from Hong Kong, by urban area

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

Calgary Vancouver Forum Holds Seminars on Hong Kong Immigrant Issues

In Hugh V Tan Van< ouver

In order to provide a forum for discussion ol many Canadians. "There is [some] anger that Peter Chan came to Vancouver in 1987 and immigration issues, the Vancouver Hong Kong immigrants cannot be happy here in the West." first worked w uh the pro\ incial homemaking Forum Society (VHKFS) recently held two She felt that many Canadians needed to adjust sen ices. The following year he joined seminars - one in April to discuss the phe- their attitude to the new phenomenon of immi- Richmond Hospital as a social worker and is nomenon of the Hong Kong returnees and the gration in the 1990s. now manager of the Geriatric Services

"brain drain in reverse" and the second. May While economic factors and better job Department there. His advice for recent immi-

1 2. on immigrant participation in Canadian opportunities continue to be the main reasons grants was to attain a good understanding of society. Issues raised at the first seminar led to for returning to Hong Kong, there are other Canadian history and Canada's social and politi- the holding of the second. forces driving these new immigrants back to cal systems. Canadians, he maintained, tend to

The five speakers at the April seminar on their country of origin. According to Clement be less aggressive than Americans, which may

"returnees" included social workers Susan French So. editor of the Ming Pao. "it is both a pull and not be good fordoing business but was good tor and K.C. Kvvok. Ming Pao newspaper editor push factor." On the one hand. Hong Kong developing a social welfare system which ha--

Clement So. and lawyers Kathy .Armstrong and offered not only better economic rew ards but achieved greater social equality. He felt Hong

Mimi Luk. Over 60 people attended the seminar also better opportunities for people to put their Kong new comers needed to understand these which w as also covered by the major Chinese talents to use. On the other hand, a common differences to participate better in Canadian language newspapers and TV media. complaint among Hong Kong immigrants is dis- society. He reiterated that new immigrants

Hong Kong returnees are immigrants who satisfaction with Canada's educational and should make efforts to leave their own cultural have gone back to work in their native city after, social systems. Recent improvements by the "comfort zone" to take part in more social activ- or even before, obtaining Canadian citizenship. Hong Kong Government in the availability of ities with mainstream Canadians.

According to members of the VHKFS, the basis tertiary education in the territory have also influ- Comments from participants included the of recent criticism by the Vancouver media of enced the decisions of "returnees." Finally, as inability of one couple to find suitable jobs a these returnees is that such people have used Ms French concluded, the decision of immi- year after immigrating to Canada: the invest-

Canada for their ow n economic advantage and grants to go back to Hong Kong was "partly due ment and loss by one immigrant of a large sum as a com enient shelter "while they wait out the to Canadian society not having fully accepted of money with no return: and the questioning of political rainstorm preceding Hong Kong's them. Canadians must ask themselves why these the need for integrating into English mainstream return to [PRC] rule." immigrants are not sinking roots in Canada." society if one could live comfortably in the

VHKFS Director Eleanor Yuen explained While maintaining that the decision to return "Hong Kong environment" of Richmond. BC. that a recent series (March 1994) in the to Hong Kong was a private, individual ques- Eleanor Yuen responded that although no

I ancouver Sun on Hong Kong's booming econ- tion, social worker K.C. Kwok addressed the one would force newcomers to integrate into omy and Canadians working there has perpetu- disadvantages and high costs of this return Canadian society, they should not treat Canada ated such a negative image. Hong Kong migration. Among the 92 families that he has as just a temporary place of sojourn. Immi-

"returnees" were depicted as irresponsible, root- worked with, only 4-5"7( have actually returned grants, she felt, who come to enjoy the natural less persons who wanted to earn big money and to Hong Kong. This rate was much lower than resources and social wealth of Canada should to avoid Canadian taxes. There was concern in that reported by Charlotte Parsons in the South also contribute their talents to build the country the Chinese Canadian community that if the sit- China Morning Post. 10 April 1994, which put as a better place to live. uation were not clarified, it could result in a the figure at one-sixth. Forum Society seminars are scheduled every backlash of hard feelings against Hong Kong Panellist and law yer Kathy Armstrong and two months on the second Thursday. Some of immigrants [Ming Pao. 17 March 1994. p. 8]. Susan French both reiterated that those consider- the past programs have included speeches from At the Forum seminar, Susan French. ing returning or Canadians contemplating mov- Hong Kong Legco members Salina Chow Executive Director of the Burnaby Multicultural ing to Hong Kong should weigh long-term ver- (Liberal Party of Hong Kong) and Martin Lee

Society, analyzed the phenomenon of the sus short-term goals, as going overseas does not (United Democrats of Hong Kong), as well as

"returnees" and recent criticism. The return of necessarily enhance one's ability to secure a bet- student debates on Hong Kong's political and immigrants to their home countries is "no more ter future in Canada. cultural issues. For more information on the a recent phenomenon than the quest for eco- Discussion at this meeting was intense, in Society and its activities, contact: nomic advantage." she explained. According to particular the question of how Hong Kong Ms French, many of the criticisms levelled immigrants should better integrate into Jim Kwong against newcomers who move back to Hong Canadian society if they chose not to return. It Box 1555

Kong stem from a feeling of insecurity as more was this issue which became the topic of the #102 - 6020 No. 3 Road

Canadians worry about their ow n and their chil- another Forum seminar in May. which took the Richmond. BC V6Y 2B3 dren's future. As most Canadians consider their form of group discussion. Eleanor Yuen, direc- Phone: 604-436-0482 or 325-5222 country to be one of the best places to live in the tor of the Forum Society, and Peter Chan acted world, the return of immigrants to Hong Kong as facilitators and talked of their experiences liv- undermines the self-esteem and assumptions of ing in Canada.

UPDATE 7 .

Recent Developments in the Hong Kong Stock Market

by Pauline Shum York University, Toronto

After an extraordi- nary year in which the Hang Seng index soared

1 15.6%, the Hong Kong stock market has fallen from the top in the world to one of the worst performers so far this year. Summary statistics for the first five months of 1994 are reported in Table 1

The market initially welcomed the new year on a positive note. The Hang Seng index broke the much anticipated

12,000 level on the first day of trading in January. However, on

January 6, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange suffered its worst loss since the Black Monday of 1987. The Hang Seng index plunged 793.43 points (6.52% ). No apparent cause prompted the sharp decline on that particular day, although there had been a widespread belief that a correction was overdue. Foreign portfo- lio managers, who were extremely enthusiastic in the previous months and had made hand- some profits (with the exception of some late- comers from Japan), were now backing off en masse. The aggressive sell-off was most prominent in the futures market. Once again, it reminded local investors of the extent of for- eign control in their stock market. The Hang Seng index hovered around the

low 1 1 ,000s for the rest of January, as the long- standing dispute between China and the Hong Kong government over the funding of the ambitious airport project continued. The less- than-impressive visit by the U.S. Secretary of

State Warren Christopher to the PRC, regard- ing China's MFN (Most Favoured Nation) sta- tus, also added to the uncertainty.

The day after breaking through the 1 2,000 1 1

Ming Pao Indices of Political and Economic Confidence

The Ming Pao newspa- officials towards politi- per has been commission- cal developments in ing opinion surveys in Hong Kong, the index

Hong Kong since 1985 to stood at 88 points in 1985$ 1 fl = 100 gauge the political and April 1994, comparable economic confidence of to the level during late

Hong Kong people about no 19X9 to early 1990. To the future of their society. summarize, events 10! The polls are conducted by since the ratification of an independent survey the Sino-British Joint research firm at roughly Declaration have not three-month intervals, filled Hong Kong pen except during 1989 when pie with optimism seven surveys were taken. about the political

Approximately 1 .000 per- future of their society. sons are interviewed for The index of eco- each survey. The responses nomic confidence fol- lowed a different path. I I I I I I I i are converted into the 1 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I II II M II II || I I ||

1 5 9 111 4 8 10 2 4 610 1 5 7 10 I 4 5 6 7 1011 1 4 610 14 7 10 1 4 7 1012 3 ? 101 4 political and economic For much of the late 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 confidence indices for the IMSiK.it fluctuated quarter. These are accepted above 100 points, The first survey was taken after the Sino- by commentators as generally reliable indica- reaching a peak of 109 points on the eve of the British Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong crash tors of the popular mood. So far. 41 sun e> s stock market crash in October 1987. The Kong was initialled and before it was ratified. have been conducted, and they provide the brought it down to 99 points, but it soon rose In the second survey, political confidence rose longest series of measures of Hong Kong pub- beyond 100 again, long before confidence in slightly to 101 points, which was the highest lic opinion about future prospects during the the stock market itself had recovered.

level it ever attained. It remained around 95 transition period. However, the Tiananmen massacre sent it points throughout 1986 to 1988, with strong The indices are calculated with the feeling down to 85 points. Although it regained 94 opposition from the PRC to the development of of confidence found in the first survey in points a year later, the Persian Gulf War representative government and British retreat January 1985 as the base figure of 100. An dropped it to the nadir of 8 1 points. With the earlier promises of such improvement. It index higher than 100 would indicate greater from Memorandum of Understanding on the neu plummeted during the Tiananmen crisis in the optimism about the future than people felt in airport, it again recovered to 94 points: but spring of 1989, reaching the nadir of 82 points January 1985, and an index lower than 100 when difficulties about the airport remained after the massacre in Beijing. would signify more pessimism. An index of unresolved, it hovered around 90 points and

Subsequently, it rose slowly back to 99. therefore, does not indicate a near fullness climbed to 96 points about the time Patten pre-

between 88 and 9 1 points and to a new peak of of optimism but one which is slightly lower sented his reform package. Diatribes from PRC 94 points in July 1991. when the PRC and than that found in the first survey. officials sent it down to 85 points. During 1993 British prime ministers announced their As may be expected, the political and eco- it stayed at around 95 points, declining to 91 of Understanding on the build- nomic confidence of Hong Kong people Memorandum points in April 1994. ing of the new airport. When the Memorandum diverged rather significantly during the past ten It can be seen that after the Beijing mas- proved not to have put an end to political diffi- years, with economic confidence being gener- sacre. Hong Kong people never regained the culties beyond the reach of Hong Kong people, ally higher than political confidence. Further- confidence about their economic future that political confidence again fell below 90 points. even more, the indices are derived from sur\ ej s oi they felt at the time of the ratification, However. Governor Chris Patten's constitu- all segments of society and are much more, with the supposedly buoyant economic mood tional reform package, presented in October broadly based than. say. the Hang Seng Index of the past few years. The boom has come 1942. temporarily boosted political confidence of the stock market, which reflects the short- hand in hand with relatively high rates of infla- points. vehement attacks from term confidence of the small minority of peo- to 94 The PRC tion and with deeper and deeper PRC cadre- officials against Patten and his reforms ple within and without Hong Kong who invest capitalist involvement in the Hong Kong econ- dropped the index to 89 points in December or speculate in stocks and shares. In this omy - neither of w hich w ould give the ordi- 1992. The willingness of the PRC authorities street great sense of securi- regard, it is worthy of note that during the past nary person in the a negotiate electoral arrangements brought few years the economic confidence index has to on ty or comfort. the index back up to 93 points in July 1993. fluctuated in the range of 86 to 96 points even of the talks and with though the stock market index metaphorically After the breakdown increasingly aggressive stands taken by PRC leapt through the roof.

UPDATE 9 NEWS IIM BRIEF • NEWS IIM BRIEF • NEWS IIM BRIEF • NEWS IJ

Tiananmen Massacre Hong Kong's Bill of Rights, drafted with Ontario Premier Visits made into law in Canadian expert advice and Kong Commemorated in Canada 1991. follows closely the United Nations docu- Hong ments which the British and PRC governments Ontario Premier Bob Rae visited Hong Kong The fifth anniversary of the massacre of pro- have promised would be honoured in Hong at end of last month as part of a trade mis- democracy demonstrators by the PRC authori- the Kong beyond 1997. However, it has been sion to the Asia Pacific region, from 16-29 May. ties was commemorated in Vancouver by a pub- opposed by the PRC authorities as infringing Its goal was to expand Ontario's established lic ceremony on May 28. The ceremony was on the state power enshrined in the Beijing- business base in the fast-growth economies of attended by Mr. Raymond Chan, Secretary of promulgated Basic Law, the "mini-constitu- Malaysia, the PRC, and Hong Kong. State for Asia Pacific Affairs. In 1989, Mr. Chan tion" for Hong Kong after 1997. Representatives from key sectors of energy, was an organizer of the Vancouver association Whether or not there should be a Human aerospace, and telecommunications joined the supporting the democracy movement in China. Rights Commission in Hong Kong has been a Premier for a series of meetings in pursuit of The association also held a candlelight vigil the matter of debate there for the past few months, additional contracts with governments and evening of June 4. since it was first proposed by a member of the companies in the region. "No area in the world In Toronto, a demonstration and a candle- Legislative Council. offers greater potential." the Premier said. light vigil were organized on June 4. A com- "Enormous growth is forecast over the coming memorative plaque, accompanying a bronze decades, and with our outstanding record in relief that shows a bicycle and a pair of shoes Cathay Pacific Inaugurates building infrastructure - from large power crushed by a tank, was rededicated. The relief Direct Hong Kong-Toronto plants to sophisticated telecommunications net- and the plaque were installed on the campus of works - Ontario has an important stake in the the University of Toronto during the June 4 cer- Flights Asia-Pacific." emony in 1992. The plaque has been stolen The Hong Kong airlines company, Cathay In Malaysia and the PRC. Ontario Hydro twice since then. The organizers are prepared to Airways, is inaugurating in June 1994 a Pacific signed memoranda of understanding for joint find it stolen a third time. In addition to the thrice-weekly, same-plane service between research and technical cooperation in the areas bronze relief and plaque, replicas of the Goddess Kong and Toronto. Flights are every Hong of power generation, transmission, distribution, of Democracy, the symbol of the Tiananmen Thursday, and Sunday. This service Tuesday, energy conservation, and sustainable develop- Movement, stand on the campuses of the night departure from Toronto and features late ment. The Premier also visited Nanjing to University of British Columbia and York early morning arrival in Hong Kong, thereby revitalize the operation of the Jiangsu-Ontario University in Toronto. save one working day enabling travellers to Science Technology Centre, opened in Hundreds of participants attended each of and compared to existing schedules. It comple- 1987 as a twinning project to promote the Vancouver and Toronto activities, many of Cathay's direct flight between Hong ments and cooperation. whom were Canadians of Hong Kong origin. exchanges Vancouver. Kong and Kong on May 28, Premier Rae met The massacre was also remembered in a debate In Hong Other airlines linking Canada and Hong with members of the Canadian business commu- on trade and human rights issues in the Kong include Air Canada, Canadian at a breakfast meeting co-hosted by the Canadian Parliament and in the editorials of the nity and a number of Asian and U.S. International, Bank and the Canadian Commission. Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. These edi- Hongkong carriers. The routes are among the most lucra- also attended a meeting with Acting torials lament, in the words of the Star, the He contemporary aviation. tive in Governor and a series of press recent "unfortunate departure from Canada's tra- interviews. In the evening, he attended the spring ditional foreign policy that blended morality fund-raising ball sponsored by the Canadian with reality when dealing with China and other Governor-General Visits Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. countries whose politics we reject." The Star Hong Kong also ran a perceptive feature article by its Hong Kong correspondent, Peter Goodspeed. on the Governor-General visited Vancouver Councillor vigil kept in Hong Kong. Hong Kong at the end of April, leading a large Visits Hong Kong and PRC trade delegation to Asia. He met with Hong

Kong's political and business leaders and reaf- Amnesty International Maggie Ip. Vancouver City Councillor, vis- firmed Canada's interest in and support for the ited Hong Kong and , PRC in May Calls for Human Rights territory, to maintain its institutions and liberties. to promote trilateral relations between these During a luncheon address to members of Commission in Hong Kong cities. She also represented Vancouver Mayor, the Legislative Council, he emphasized thai Philip Owen, at a conference on doing business in April on the human is inseparable from responsible gov- In a report released "stability with China. The conference, co-sponsored by rights situation in Hong Kong, Amnesty ernment and the rule of law." He went on to the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association International called for the immediate estab- say. "The rule of law, buttressed by fairly con- and the Bank of Montreal, began in Hong of a Rights Commission in tested and free elections, constitutes means by lishment Human Kong on May 2 and continued in Guangzhou to the redress of rights' maintain the stability of our political Hong Kong, make which we on May 3-4. Canadian Governor General Ray accessible, affordable, speedy, and safeguard our democratic values." abuses more system and Hnatyshyn attended the opening ceremony. effective.

10 UPDATE 1

BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IIM BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF

During her slay in Hong Kong. Councillor Chinese Literary Contest Simulcasting of Hong Kong Ip made extensive contacts with government offices and private organizations. She met with in Toronto Horse Races in Canada the head of the Hong Kong Museum of History The first Chinese literary contest for young On May 6 for the first time, the Vancouver and suggested an exchange program of exhibi- people of the Greater Toronto Area took place Hastings Park Race Course broadcast horse- tions be arranged between that institution and during May and June. Competitions in calligra- races live from the Hong Kong Shatin Race the Museum of Vancouver in order to promote story telling, literary phy, recitation, public Track. Beginning at 1 0:30pm, the event attract- the mutual understanding of the history and speaking, and English-to-Chinese translation ed more than 10,000 people, most of whom developments in each respective city. drew more than 3,000 contestants from the were of Chinese origin. immigrant and Canadian-bom Chinese com The Vancouver track building was packed Pop Concert to Raise munities. The contest was organized by the with people who watched the races from Hong Funds for PRC Chinese Heritage Education Foundation Fund, Kong on TV monitors. Fans cheered loudly set up by the Toronto Mandarin Lions Club. whenever their horse won as if they were pre-

A pop concert by Hong Kong artists was The membership of the club are mostly immi- sent at the Shatin Race Track.

held in Toronto in March to raise funds for grants from Hong Kong and Taiwan. More than CDNS 1.3 million was bet on

"famine relief and poverty alleviation" in the local and Hong Kong horse races that evening, People's Republic of China. It was part of a Police Smash Credit Card compared to an average betting of about series of concerts organized by some Hong $800,000 on an ordinary day. The Hong Kong

Kong performers in Hong Kong, various cities Fraud Rings in Scarborough race alone attracted bets of $367,974. and bets

in the PRC. and overseas. The concerts in were called in from Victoria, B.C. as well. The The RCMP. with the assistance of Metro China have been co-sponsored by the PRC broadcasting of the Hong Kong races not only Toronto Police, smashed two high-tech crime Ministry of Civil Affairs [see Update, no. 10, stimulated the racing business in Vancouver rings in the Scarborough suburb of Toronto and Summer 1993, p. 12]. but also enhanced Hong Kong's reputation in arrested some eighteen suspects. Although most of the best known singers Canada as an international racing centre. The suspects are alleged to have churned whose names had appeared on the advanced Another simulcasting of Hong Kong races was out one-fifth of the world's fake credit cards. publicity did not materialize, the Toronto con- held on June 4 in both Vancouver and Windsor. They are believed to be members of or con- cert was well attended. Well over Ontario. nected w ith the Big Circle Boys gang, the term CDNS 100.000 was raised to the satisfaction of The Ontario Racing Commission intends to used by the police and the media in Hong the organizers. Doubts were voiced, however, set up ten centres throughout Ontario, including Kong to refer to underworld organizations by prominent members of the Chinese several in Toronto, which would simulcast horse made up of men from the People's Republic of Canadian community about why China should races from across Canada, the U.S. and Hong China. The published names of those arrested need to raise funds in such a way when it Kong, w ith provisions for off track betting. were listed in the customary spellings of Hong enjoys one of the fastest economic growth rates Kong, the PRC, or Vietnam. in the world, and about accountability when the Forum Asie Canada proceeds are distributed inside the People's

Republic. Hong Kong Sends Team to Le Forum Asie-Canada, qui a debute ses Commonwealth Games at activities en octobre 1993. vise a creer un Fund-Raising Ball for New reseau de contacts et a stimuler les echanges Victoria, BC d'idees en francais sur les grandes questions

Chinese Cultural Centre d'actualite qui concerent l'Asie et qui sont The Hong Kong Olympic Committee will be d'interet pour la communaute de Colombie Chinese-Canadian business and community sending a team of athletes to take part in the Bntannique. leaders, who hope to build a Chinese Cultural Commonwealth Games to be held at Victoria. BC, Le Forum a organise un diner-conference le Centre in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough. this summer. This is expected to be the last time that 8 juin 1994. avec mesdames Frances Bula. held a fund-raising ball in April. The ball was Hong Kong participates in the main sports event of journaliste. Vancouver Sun, et Diana Lary. well supported by members of the Chinese- the British Commonwealth. The authorities of the directrice du project Hong Kong-Canada. Elles

Canadian and mainstream communities. Mr. People's Republic of China have made it clear that ont traite l'impact de la prise de controle de Alan Tonks. chairman of the Municipality of Hong Kong will sever ties with the Common- Hong Kong par la Chine en 1997. Une qin- Metro Toronto, spoke enthusiastically about wealth, including athletic ones, after 1997. quantaine de Francophones qui s'interessent a Chinese culture with the ringing words: "To However, under the terms of the Sino- Hong Kong et son avenir ont prit part a la con- know China is to love China!" Donations British Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong ference. totalled over CDNS300.000 for the event. Kong and of the Beijing-promulgated Basic Forum Asie Canada Law of the Special Administrative Region of 220-1555 W. 7th Avenue Hong Kong, the territory will continue to enjoy Vancouver, BC V6J 1S1 the right to send its own teams to international Tel: 604-732-3371 sports events after the transfer of sovereignty. Fax: 604-732-3068

UPDATE 1 NEWS IIM BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF

mainstream advertising market. Major banks, Hong Kong News Service Perspectives at UBC airlines, insurance companies, and some con- The Alliance of Hong Kong Chinese in the sumer product lines have bought space in these by Joanne Poon U.S. (AHKCUS) provides to subscribers a newspapers in order to convey their messages UBC. Vancouver daily news service on e-mail, HKNEWS. to Hong Kong immigrant consumers.

which covers current events in Hong Kong. Perspectives is a Chinese-English, bilingual China, and other areas of Asia. The primary Intervarsity Chinese student newspaper at the University of British goal of this service is to improve the communi- Columbia. It was started two years ago and is cation of news about Hong Kong in order to Language Publication published six times a year. The paper's editori- maintain and increase public awareness of the Launched al board consists of about forty student volun- issues facing Hong Kong and the PRC. teers, many of whom are from Hong Kong. was founded in AHKCUS 1990 by a group Towards the end of the academic year, stu- According to its Chief Editor. Wade Fung, of Hong Kong Chinese in the United States dents from eight campuses in Ontario and Perspectives has two main goals - to provide a who were concerned about democracy and Quebec launched what is probably the first forum for Chinese students to express their human rights in the PRC after the June 4th intervarsity Chinese language student publica- opinions and to introduce Asian and Chinese Tiananmen Massacre. There are currently over tion in Canada. cultures to non-Asian students. Rather than 500 member organizations and individuals who The Dragon Press is published by an editori- university politics, the paper covers issues

subscribe to their news service. They also al committee representing Chinese students from related to the PRC, Hong Kong, Taiwan and maintain a members list on e-mail for the com- Carleton. Concordia, McGill, Seneca College, Canada. A recent issue carried interviews with munication of activities and discussion of University of Toronto, Waterloo, Western three students from Hong Kong, the Mainland, issues and opinions relating to events in Hong Ontario, and Windsor. Each of these campuses and Taiwan and their different perceptions of the Kong and PRC. In addition, the organiza- already has its own Chinese language student Hong Kong issues towards 1997. Regular tion issues a publication, the AHKCUS paper, published at irregular intervals, as copies columns include horoscopes, food reviews, Quarterly, which includes articles in English and advertising support become available. Most movie critiques, poetry, and short stories. It and Chinese on issues concerning Hong Kong, of the editors and writers are immigrants or visa also carries articles on Chinese history, culture, the PRC, and the Chinese community in the students from Hong Kong. and festivals, like the Lunar New Year. U.S. For information more on the news service The first issue of Dragon Press has 32 During its first year of operation, the edito- other and activities contact AHKCUS tabloid-size pages, with a moderate amount of rial committee was challenged with a number Chairman, Kenny Kwong at (212) 238-7322 advertisements. It had a print run of 20.000 of difficulties, which included inadequate or Secretary, General Charles Mok at (415) copies and is being distributed free of charge financial and technical support, soliciting con-

336-3183; or write to the Alliance of Hong on campuses and in shopping malls. tributors, and canvassing for advertisements.

Kong Chinese in the U.S., P.O. Box 3768, One of the most time-consuming jobs was the Santa Clara, CA 95055, USA. AHKCUS translating and Bank of China Issues Notes typesetting of articles in both can also be reached by e-mail at: Chinese and English. Now with financial sup- [email protected] The Bank of China, the state-owned foreign port from advertising and the Publication exchange bank of the People's Republic of Board of the Alma Mater Society at UBC. Perspectives is on a stronger footing. Canadian-Chinese China, became the third note-issuing bank in Hong Kong, Typesetting of Chinese characters, which had Newspapers Catch along with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the been done by student volunteers, is now pre- Attention of Toronto Star Standard Chartered Bank. pared by off-campus professionals. However, there is no full-time staff or regular office, In Hong Kong, paper currency is issued by only

The Toronto Star ran a feature story on the authorized commercial banks under the regula- a mail box. front its Business page of section on Sunday. tions of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Perspectives has been well-received at 22. entitled May "Metro's Other Paper War." The Bank of China issued currency with a face UBC. Non-Asian students who are studying The story focused on the three Chinese assert that the major value of HKS3 billion (CDNS5 10 million) in paper has provided an Chinese language newspapers of interesting and for Metro May. This constituted four percent of the total entertaining format learning Toronto: the Chinese WorldJournal Daily News, the in circulation and was expected to increase to a characters and culture. Future plans Tan Sing Jih Pan. and the Ming Pan Daily higher percentage in the future. for the paper include widening its scope and

News [see Update, No. 1 , Winter 1994, cooperating with other Chinese and Asian stu- 1 p. 15]. Apart from serving as legal tender within It found that paper sells dent associations each more than 30,000 Hong Kong itself, the Hong Kong dollar circu- to introduce various Asian copies every editions cultures in issues. day of ranging from 72 to lates widely in the Pearl River delta and else- forthcoming 104 pages. The Star also reported that the where in the PRC. It has been the favoured Toronto Chinese newspapers attract a good medium for foreign trade since the local cur- deal of advertising - some to 50% 75% of each rency, the renminbi, is not easily exchangeable. daily edition. So far. most of the advertise- PRC authorities have been trying to curb the ments have been placed by Chinese-Canadian use of foreign currencies, such as Hong Kong businesses, but inroads are beina into made the or US dollars, within its borders.

12 UPDATE Chinese and Japanese Language Education in BC

by Hugh X. Tan Vancouver

For the past three months, special efforts Reacting to the UBC decision, the Coalition On 29 May. a public forum was held at the have been made by the Chinese Language was formed on 17 March. Membership Chinese Cultural Centre in Vancouver's Education Advancement Coalition of British includes 18 ethnic Chinese community organi- Chinatown, and over 300 people attended. Dr.

Columbia to promote Chinese and Japanese zations, such as the prominent United Chinese William Say well, president of the Asia Pacific language education in the province. These two Community Enrichment Services Society Foundation of Canada, delivered the keynote languages were first introduced into the B.C. (SUCCESS). The Coalition's main goal is to address. All six speakers stressed the impor- high school curriculum in 1987. At present. pressure the BC Ministry of Education to tance of the two Asian languages in developing

Japanese is taught in 29 school districts and include Chinese and Japanese as approv ed sub- social and economic relations between Canada Provincial and to and the Asia Pacific Rim countries. Mandarin Chinese in 1 1 . Over 10.000 sec- jects for the Examination

' ondary students, mostly in the Greater have UBC accept the two languages as subjects Representatives from three levels of govern-

Vancouv er area, are studying one of the two in calculating GPA for admission purposes. ment, including Secretary of State for Asia languages. Although there is a growing For this purpose, the Coalition has orga- Pacific Affairs. Raymond Chan, also attended demand for instruction in Chinese and nized various activities. Letters have been sent and made comments at the meeting. Japanese, they are not currently included in the to Premier Mike Harcourt. the Minister of On 3 June. Premier Harcourt visited the Provincial Examination, while French. Education An Charbonneau. and other MLAs. SL1CCESS Chinatown office and met with 19

Spanish. Latin, and German are. Considering The Coalition has also launched a petition cam- representatives of the Coalition. He promised equity in its admission standards, the paign to demonstrate community support, not to arrange a meeting between Coalition mem-

University of British Columbia announced ear- only in Vancouver but also in the adjacent bers and the BC Minister of Education. Art lier this year that, starting in May 1995. it Burnaby and Coquitlam municipalities. About Charbonneau. who w ill make the final decision would no longer grant GPA (Grade Point 12.000 petition cards were signed and collected. of this matter. He told reporters that he was dis- Average) admission credits for these two lan- appointed with UBC's decision not to gram guages and other courses which are not provin- admission credits for Chinese and Japanese ciallv examined. [5m? 7ao. 4 June 1994. p. 4].

Seminar on Hong Kong and Canada Business Initiatives

by Janet A. Rubinoff York University, Toronto

A seminar on "How to Profit in Hong Kong U.S.) and stressed that Ontario was poised to Americans. 18,000 Australians. 40.000 expatri- and Canada" was held on 2 1 June in Toronto. improve rapidly its Asia-Pacific trade, espe- Canadians, and many other western

Its primary focus was on case studies of suc- cially in infrastructural developments like ates. There are now 1 50 Canadian companies cessful business initiatives in the two countries telecommunications and power plants. with offices in Hong Kong and over 450

and included sessions on trade, banking and "Canada's trade with Hong Kong has which are represented by agents. Finally, Mr.

financial services, transport and communica- increased by 40% since 1990 to over CDNS4 Miller stressed the excellent business climate

tions, and infrastructure development, such as billion." which he attributed, in part, to the in Hong Kong w ith low taxation (only 16.59! I,

architecture and traffic engineering services. growing influx, especially to Ontario, of no tariffs on goods imported into Hong Kong,

The seminar w as sponsored by the Hong Kong Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong. unobtrusive government, and maximum

Economic and Trade Office in association with Tony Miller. Director-General of Trade of infrastructural support. The latter includes the the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association the Hong Kong Government, presented an new airport, expanded port facilities, em iron-

and the Hong Kong Trade Development overview of the Hong Kong economy. He mental improvement projects, land reclama- Council. Over 100 people attended from the stressed what Hong Kong had to offer in terms tions, and excellent high speed transport ser-

business community as well as academics, jour- of 27 years of continued growth in GDP and vice to the Pearl River Delta and other parts of

nalists, and other specialists. The program was trade. He also declared. "Now we are learning Mainland China. Hong Kong is "the perfect the rest also held in Ottawa on 23 June. how to live with prosperity." including high place to do business with the PRC and note The session opened with remarks from inflation (8.5% in 1993-94) and the rising of Asia." Mr. Miller also delivered the key

Stephen Lam. Director of the Hong Kong costs of doing business in the city. luncheon address on "GATT Uruguay Round. under- Economic and Trade Office, and an introduc- Though there is considerable talk about APEC and Hong Kong." in which he the tory speech by the Hon. Richard Allen, emigration from Hong Kong towards 1997, scored the importance of free trade and

Minister for International Trade for Ontario. Mr. Miller emphasized the number of people lowering of tariffs to Hong Kong's and the

Mr. Allen criticized Canada's lack of a global who are arriving in Hong Kong to work and world's continued development. f outlook in international trade (80 < is with the live. This, he said, includes over 30.000 Initiatives, cont'd on page 14

UPDATE 13 Initiatives, cont'd from page 13 market and futures exchange. The firm was nications. William Nankivell, Director of

the first agency in Canada for investment in Business Development for Zeidler Roberts The remaining speakers presented case PRC stocks and shares. Partnership. Canada's largest architectural studies of the success and profitability of their Richard Chow, Deputy Managing Director firm, spoke on "Canadian Architecture businesses in Hong Kong. Victor Steel, of INFA Telecom Asia Ltd.. spoke on tele- Expertise for the Asian Market." He stressed Chairman of Consumers Distributing Inc., com market potentials in Asia and the role of the importance for his company - especially stressed his company's role as an importer of his company in "Telecommunications in Hong during the recent recession - of a balanced goods from Hong Kong and other Asian coun- Kong and China." Compared with the world international client base and a diversity of pro- tries. In his address on "Trading with Hong growth rate of 2.2% over the past year, Asia jects. Because of the variety of local rules, by- Kong," Mr. Steel emphasized the increased represented unique market conditions with a laws, traditions, and construction materials in globalization of Canadian retailing, the growth rate of 8.7% overall and China alone different regions and countries, his firm had tremendous opportunity for Hong Kong and experiencing 13%. The PRC plans to invest found the export of expertise in designing Asian companies to produce unique, quality S8 billion a year towards 2000 in telecommu- complex building types more successful than goods for the Canadian market - especially nications infrastructure, so there are unique of specific designs or materials. For the archi- house brands for retailers like Consumers opportunities for Canadian expertise and busi- tect it is particularly important to understand Distributing, and the commitment of his com- nesses in this explosive development. Mr. the design needs of particular clients as well as pany to "new style growth," including larger Chow emphasized the importance ofguanxi or the relationship between functional and emo- super stores and improved product quality. connections and the key role of Hong Kong tional environments of a another culture. Christopher Crook, Chief Operating firms in doing business in the PRC. Zeidler Roberts maintains a permanent Officer of the Hongkong Bank of Canada. James Barrington. Vice President, Canada, office in Hong Kong although its main pro- spoke on the "Growth of the Hongkong Bank of Cathay Pacific Airways, addressed the jects are in the PRC. A major problem in deal- in Canada." Among the many factors for the topic of "Air Services Between Hong Kong ing with in the PRC, Nankivell mentioned, has success of the Hongkong Bank since it was and Canada," including the issues of routes been the inconsistency of the planning and first established in Vancouver in 1981 . he list- between Hong Kong and Canada, the merits of development processes and the need for more ed: 1 ) its focus on small and intermediate regulation and deregulation, and the PRC rela- standardization of local building regulations. businesses (88% of loans are for $500,000 or tionship with Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific and The final speaker, Joseph Lam, Director less): 2) its service and customer-oriented Canadian Airlines International are the copma- and Senior Vice President, Systems approach and very dedicated staff: 3 ) the pur- nies authorized to operate flights between Engineering of Delcan Corporation, outlined chase of the Bank of British Columbia in Hong Kong and Canada under a bilateral air the success of his engineering consulting firm 1986, which gave the Hongkong Bank a multi- services agreement between the two govern- in "exporting" traffic management systems to branch retail network in BC and Alberta; 4) ments. Since 1983, Cathay Pacific has provid- Hong Kong and the PRC. His firm had devel- the influx of Hong Kong immigrants to ed direct flights from Vancouver to Hong oped an effective business strategy over the Canada, who were establishing businesses Kong. With a 60% growth rate in traffic years in the Hong Kong market by concentrat- here, and the growing trade between Canada between Canada and Hong Kong, the airline, ing on a "niche-focus" - i.e. traffic and sys- and Asia (especially in BC which has been the since June, has expanded its services to three tems engineering only - rather than a multi- province with the healthiest economy during direct flights per week from Toronto to Hong disciplinary approach. The company, he said. the recession); 5) purchase of Lloyd's Bank of Kong [see "News in Brief," p. 10]. has also focused on the "infrastructure food Canada in 1990 which gave the Hongkong He stressed the need for a stable aviation chain" of command in developing a market for Bank more representation in Quebec and environment (regulation, rather than over- or its engineering projects. Atlantic Canada; 6) the Bank's extensive deregulation) which guaranteed a certain level In Hong Kong, Delcan designed and experience in trade finance; and 7) the support of profits, and discussed the implications to installed the traffic control system for the Tate of the huge Hongkong and Shanghai Banking the airline industry of the transfer of Cairn Tunnel between Kowloon and Shatin. It Corporation (tenth largest in the world), in sovereignty of Hong Kong to the PRC. With recently landed a contract for the design of particular with the high costs of new technolo- the development of a growing middle class in traffic control and monitoring systems for the gy. In conclusion, he stressed the role of the Mainland China, he predicted a major market Lantau Island Fixed Crossing of the new Hong Bank in encouraging and facilitating the for overseas tourism and airline expansion. Kong airport expressway. The technology that growth of Canada-Hong Kong and Asian Cathay Pacific will continue to invest in the will be used in this project was first developed trade. PRC airline industry. The opening of the new by Delcan Corporation and the Ontario In his talk on "Financing Chinese Assets airport in Hong Kong will also provide new Ministry of Transportation for Ontario's through the Canadian Capital Market," growth opportunities. He felt that since the COMPASS freeway traffic management sys- Michael Edwards. President and CEO of Joint Declaration provided that Hong Kong tem. The Hong Kong project is expected to Richardson Greenshields of Canada Ltd., airlines may continue to operate as before, generate more than CDNS 10 million of eco- addressed the opportunity for Canadians of Cathay Pacific was optimistic about the trans- nomic activity in Ontario as a good proportion raising and investing domestic capital, espe- fer of sovereignty after 1997 and had ordered of the computer and traffic control equipment cially for PRC development. One of the largest $8 billion in new aircraft through the year for the project will be manufactured in independent investment firms, Richardson 2000. Canada. Greenshields has maintained an office in Hong The final session on infrastructure develop- Kong for the past 25 years and is the only ments focused on architecture and telecommu- Canadian member of the Hong Kong stock

14 UPDATE 2

Three U.of T. Professors Workshop on Identity of New Project Publications

Honoured Hong Kong The fourth book in the Canada and Hong

Kong Papers series will he published this Tak Mak of the Departments of Medica] The Canada and Hong Kong Project co- summer by the Canada Hong Kong Project. Biophysics and Immunology was one of four sponsored, with the Faculty of Law and the Based on papers delivered at the second Legal University of Toronto professors elected this Institute of International Relations of the Workshop on 2 October 1992, the book is March as Fellows of the Royal Society of University of British Columbia, an academic entitled Canada-Hong Kong: Human Rights London. Prof. Mak is a senior staff scientist workshop on the "Identity of Hong Kong." and Privacy Law Issues and is edited by with the Ontario Cancer Institute of Princess Over thirty participants attended the seminar Johannes Chan, Faculty of Law at the Margaret Hospital and director of the Amgen which was held at the Hotel Vancouver in University of Hong Kong, and William Research Institute. downtown Vancouver on 29-30 April. It was Angus, Osgoode Hall Law School of York Prof. Mak, 47. immigrated originally from organized by Professors Maurice Copithome. University. Hong Kong and completed his PhD in bio- Brian Job, and Diana Lary with the assistance The book consists of an introductory arti- chemistry at the University of Alberta in 1971. of Shannon Selin and Joanne Poon. all of the cle by Johannes Chan on "The Hong Kong The focus of his work is understanding hpw University of British Columbia. Perspective", two papers on the Bill of Rights, the body recognizes diseases. He cloned the T- Scholars from several universities across and one on privacy law. The papers include. cell receptor gene, a major advance in under- Canada and from two universities in Hong "Bill of Rights: Canada Leads, Hong Kong standing the body's immune system. Recently Kong, prominent professionals from Hong Follows?" by Richard Cullen, Department of his research, involving the generation of mice Kong and Vancouver, and Canadian and Hong Professional Legal Education. City lacking specific genes considered to play cru- Kong officials in Canada, spent two days dis- Polytechnic of Hong Kong; "Interpreting cial roles in immune responses, has also led to cussing the issues. the Hong Kong Bill of Rights" by Nihal significant insights in immunology. The workshop was organized around three Jayawickrama. Faculty of Law, University of The Royal Society of London for areas of discussion: legal issues, internal Hong Kong; and "The Right to Information Improving Natural Knowledge, founded in issues, and Hong Kong in Asia. The seven pre- in Hong Kong" by Eva Lau, formerly of the 1662. is one of the oldest scientific societies in sentations included: Faculty of Law of the University of Hong the world. Each year 40 new individuals who "The Significance of the Common Law Kong and now qualifying for the Ontario bar. have made an original, significant contribution in Defining Hong Kong's Identity, by Robert This book can be purchased directly from the to science are elected as fellows to the Society. Tang, Q.C., Hong Kong Canada and Hong Kong Project office for $ 1 which sustains a membership of about 1 .000. "Citizenship and Residence Issues after (see back cover). At present there are 45 in Canada. 1 2 of whom 1997," by Maurice Copithome, UBC Two other books are also planned for are from U. of T "Hong Kong People's Perceptions of publication at the end of the summer. On May 12 two U. of T. academics, origi- their Identity," by Bernard Luk. York These include research papers on Hong Kong nally from Hong Kong, were also named University Visa Students in Canada, based on a Project University Professors, the highest rank the uni- "Hong Kong Senior Civil Servants' seminar from October 1992, and papers from versity confers on its faculty members. Julia Perceptions of Political Development," by the recent Vancouver workshop on "The Ching of the Department for the Study of Jane Lee. City Polytechnic of Hong Kong Identity of Hong Kong". (See the accompa- Religion and Lap-Chee Tsui of the "Models of Retrocession," by Diana Lary. nying article) Department of Molecular and Medical UBC Genetics were two of six scholars appointed "Hong Kong as a Member of the Greater this year. Prof. Ching, who also holds appoint- China Community," by James Tang, Hong ments in the Departments of East Asian Kong University

Studies and Philosophy, is widely regarded as "Hong Kong as an East Asian/Southeast Lambert Appointed an expert on East Asian and Western religion Asian Regional Player in ADB, PREC, Canadian Commissioner and philosophy. She is the author of eight PECC, APEC, ESCAP," by Kim Nossal, books, including her most recent publication McMaster University to Hong Kong on the Tiananmen massacre entitled. Probing Lively and in-depth discussion followed the The Department of Foreign Affairs China's Soul: Religion, Politics and Protest in presentations at each session, and a number of and International Trade announced the People's Republic. stimulating and insightful ideas were on July 12 the appointment of the Prof. Tsui is the premier human geneticist exchanged. Plans are under consideration to new Canadian Commissioner to working in the area of cystic fibrosis. In 1989 publish papers from the workshop. Hong Kong. Garrett CM. Lambert he and two collaborators identified the gene will replace the outgoing Commis- that is defective in patients with the disease. sioner, John Higginbotham [see, This discovery has led to the start of clinical "Transfer of Heads of Government trials using gene replacement therapy. Missions", p. 5]. Mr. Lambert is cur- rently Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management, of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

UPDATE 15 PROJECT PUBLICATIONS

Canada and Hong Kong Papers: Charles Burton, ed., 1992. $12 No. 1 : Politics and Society in Hong Kong towards 1997.

No. 2: Canada-Hong Kong: Some Legal Considerations, William Angus, ed., 1992 S12

No. 3: Hong Kong and China in Transition, by J. Bums. V. Faikenheim. & D.M.Lampton. 1994. $12 No. 4: Canada-Hong Kong: Human Rights and Privacy Law Issues. Johannes Chan and William Angus. eds„ 1994. $12

Research Papers: in Yun-Wing Sung, 1992 $7 No. 1 : Economic Integration of Hong Kong with China the 1990s,

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5- CANADA AND HONG KONG UPDATE e Number 13 * l£ m % m m, WINTKR 1995

Opening of Canada-Hong Rough Ride Towards 2000? Kong Resource Centre by Bernard H.K.Luk York University, Toronto A reception and ceremony was held on 1 November 1994 to formally establish the new Since the last Update was published seven ture. The Standing Committee of the National Canada-Hong Kong Resource Centre, housed at months ago, a great deal has happened in the People's Congress (the parliament of the PRC) the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies offices at political relations between Hong Kong and the resolved that the Legco, municipal councils, and the University of Toronto, 1 Spadina Crescent. People's Republic of China (PRC), which brings district boards elected in 1994 and 1995 would all Heather Munroe-Blum, Vice-President (Research much uncertainty to the territory in the short run be disbanded when the PRC assumes sovereignty and International Relations) of the University of but which might also create improvement in the over the territory on 1 July 1997. However, what Toronto, unveiled a plaque thanking the Hongkong longer teem. will take the place of these elected bodies Bank of Canada for its donation of $500,000 for At the end of June, Governor Chris Patten's remains unclarified. the Resource Centre. Michael Stevenson, Vice- constitutional reform package [see Updates no. The Preliminary Working Committee President (Academic Affairs) of York University, 8-12], which had attracted nearly two years of (PWQ (see Update, no.12, Spring 1994, p.2.), presented the Centre with a collection of over 100 invective from PRC officials, passed the appointed by PRC officials as the "second stove" microfilms, containing a complete and fully Legislative Council (Legco) after a 17-hour-long to oversee the political transition, met on numer- indexed set of Hong Kong newspaper clippings debate. For the Councillors and many Hong ous occasions throughout the year. Made up of from 1980-1994. Kong citizens, it was a compromise solution PRC officials and their appointees from Hong The donation of the Hongkong Bank of between a proposal to have all 60 seats directly Kong, the PWC and its subcommittees meet in Canada, to be paid over five years, will support the elected by universal suffrage and more conserva- private, and its decisions are seldom formally collection of the Resource Centre, which has been tive alternatives. announced. However, there have been many leaks developed from the Canada and Hong Kong The government proceeded to implement the from individual PWC members. While it is never Project's database, books, and research materials on new electoral arrangements that will replace clear if any particular idea represents official Hong Kong. The Centre will serve as an archive appointed seats on Legco, the municipal councils, thinking, consensus of the PWC, or just an indi- for Hong Kong immigrant communities in Canada, and the district boards with a combination of vidual opinion, these leaks often have been trou- as well as a comprehensive research collection on members who will be directly elected, indirectly bling to Hongkongans. Canada-Hong Kong relations and developments in elected, or elected by functional constituencies. For example, in September, the suggestion Hong Kong before and after 1997. PRC officials reacted to this extension of democ- was made that after 1997 all Commonwealth uni- The present Resource collection consists of the racy by declaring that there would be no "through versity degrees would be de-recognized, while Project's database of over 5,000 articles and news- train" [see Update, no. 9, Spring 1993, p.3.] for PRC degrees would be given blanket recognition. paper clippings in English and Chinese, Chinese Hong Kong's three-tiered representative struc- If implemented, such a change would bring language newspapers from Toronto, the South

Rough Ride, cont'd on page 2 Opening, cont'd on page 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

Rough Ride Towards 2000? 1 Immigration Cases 7 MBA Trade Competition Winners Bring Canadian Wild Rice to Hong Kong 8 Opening of Canada- Hong Kong DAB Chairman's Family Immigrate

Resource Centre 1 to Canada 7 Summer Job Programme in Hong Kong 8

Editorial Message 2 New Director of Hong Kong Hong Kong Contemporary Arts 9

Government Office in Toronto 7 Prime Minister Chretien's Visit to Hong Kong 4 Extramarital Affairs in PRC 9

Democracy and Development 4 Hong Kong-Canadian Disk Jockey 7 "Hong Kong: Portraits of Power" 10

1993 Demographics 5 Local Elections in Toronto Area 7 News in Brief 10 per F1029.5 H6 C36 CANADA AND Letter from the Letter from the HONG KONG UPDATE Co-Directors Editor/Coordinator

Diana Lary Editors This edition of the Canada and Hong Kong As this issue of the Update will end my Bernard Luk Update is the last to be produced under the association with the Canada and Hong Project, Janet A. Rubinoff grant from the Donner Canadian Foundation. I would like to take this opportunity to say We intend to continue publishing the Update, good-bye and to thank the directors for their Masthead IMS Creative connections between Canada and Hong encouragement and support. In the past four Design Communications as the Kong become closer and the issues involving years, I have learned a great deal about Hong Dasha Pohoral the two places are intensified as 1997 draws Kong, the territory, and the Hong Kong immi- Mixed Metaphor near. At the moment, however, funding is not grant community in Canada. I have met and

in place for the continuation of the Updates. worked with a number of interesting special- Benson Contributors Martha Though we are actively seeking new funds, it ists, not only in the academic community but Yan-chi Choi is possible that there will be a hiatus before also in government, the press, business, and in Rup Narayan Das the next issue comes out. In the meantime we the Chinese-Canadian community. It was a would like to thank Janet Rubinoff, who has privilege to be associated with such an inter- Canada and Hong Kong Update is been responsible for bringing out most of the esting and timely research project, and I am published 3-4 times a year by the Updates, for all her hard work and dedication glad to have had the opportunity to contribute Canada and Hong Kong Project to the Project. my skills as a social scientist and as an orga- Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, nizer, writer, and editor. Suite 270, York Lanes, Diana Lary, University of British Columbia York University, 4700 Keele St., Bernard Luk, York University Janet A. Rubinoff, Ph.D. North York, Ontario, CANADA M3J 1P3

Telephone: (416) 736-5784 Rough Ride, cont'd from page 1 of Hong Kong government. A Court of Final Fax: (416) 736-5688 havoc to the occupational structure and the eco- Appeal, to take the place of the British Privy nomic and administrative functioning of the terri- Council, was to have been established in 1991. Opinions expressed in this newsjournal tory. It would also have serious implications for However, a PRC-UK secret agreement on its those of the author alone. are Canadian universities where thousands of Hong composition was rejected by Legco and by the Kong students are enrolled. legal professions in Hong Kong on the ground

October, the proposal was made that an that it reneged on provisions for greater autono- CANADA AND HONG KONG PROJECT In interim legislature for Hong Kong could be my contained in the Sino-British Joint

appointed by Beijing after it disbands Legco in Declaration (1984). The matter was brought up Diana Lary professions dur- Bernard Luk 1997 and before it holds new elections. Many again before Legco and the legal

Hongkongans find it difficult to accept that the ing 1994. However, Mr Lu Ping, the PRC minis- Coordinator Janet A. Rubinoff Legco elected in 1995 might be abolished in ter in charge of Hong Kong affairs, declared that

1997. Even if this were done, it is not clear why even if the Court were set up now in accordance Advisory Board David Bond new elections could not be held during the sum- with the 1991 agreement, that would not guaran- Mary Catherine Boyd mer of 1997 for a new assembly to convene in tee that the Court or the rest of the judiciary Denise Chong October. would survive the change of sovereignty. Maurice Copithorne Another topic before the PWC is of special Hongkongans are greatly concerned about the B. Michael Frolic concern to Canada, namely, the right of abode in agenda to be put before the proposed interim leg- John Higginbolham Hong Kong after 1997 for Hongkongans who islature. Garrett Lambert Graeme McDonald have emigrated and naturalized in other countries. Mr. Lu posed another ominous question in that the Jules Nadeau At present, both Canadian and Hong Kong law January when he demanded Hong Kong William Saywell recognizes dual nationality, and Canadian citizens government hand over the personnel files of Wang Gungwu of Hong Kong origin experience no legal obstacle senior civil servants to PRC authorities. Governor to return to Hong Kong to work. This "return Patten retorted that this was beyond anything ever flow" has proved beneficial for the economic, demanded of the Hong Kong government by the

Articles may be reprinted in whole or cultural, and social ties between the two societies UK authorities and that he was prepared only to in part with appropriate credit to the and helpful to Canadian trade in the Asia Pacific hand over files to the future government of the Canada and Hong Kong Update. region. PRC law, however, does not recognize post- 1997 Special Administrative Region. Mr. Lu

dual nationality, so Chinese have naturalized lost his temper in public. The acrimony contin- Wl- want to thank the Dormer Canadian who far, left to wonder about how many Foundation for its very generous support abroad are considered aliens in the PRC. So ues. The public is which has made this project possible. The the right of abode (as distinct from citizenship) files, what kinds, and how far down the civil ser- Foundation's long-standing interest in for "return flow" emigrants in Hong Kong (as vice hierarchy may be demanded for transfer to Canada's international relations with Asia distinct from the Chinese Mainland) remains Beijing. to which has enabled us conduct research we unclear. The issue is said to have been brought up The economy as a whole during 1994 was not consider to be of great significance for the by Canadian officials in their contacts with PRC as buoyant as in the previous one and a half future of the country. officials. years. The Hang Seng Index stood at about

In addition to the promise to disband Legco 12000 at the beginning of 1994 and at around This publication is free. and other representative bodies, PRC officials 8000 in early February 1995. Housing prices also Please call or write to us for past also threatened to disallow the continuity beyond dropped by about 20% in the course of the year. or future issues. 1997 of the judicial and administrative organs The slowdown has been due to a combination of

2 UPDATE factors: the overheating in the preceding period, 37. The Liberal Party, led by formerly British- Again, some "independent" candidates have ties attempts by the PRC as well as US authorities to appointed Legco members who now often support to pro-Communist groups. For the first lime all ax>l down their respective economies (the two PRC positions, won 18. In addition, some candi- the seats on the Urban Council and the Regional most important trading partners of Hong Kong), dates who ran as independents and won were sup- Council arc to lie directly elected by universal efforts bj the Hong Kong government to make ported by pro-Communist groups, but did not adult suffrage. Hence, the elections are taken very housing somewhat more affordable, and a general advertise their connections. All in all, it was a bal- seriously both in themselves and as a warm up lor reduction in confidence in the future, both among anced outcome in an orderly functioning of the Legco elections later in the year. Hongkongans and foreign investors. More recent- democracy at the grassaxits level that gave encour- Even the New China News Agency (the PRC ly, Hong Kong is caught in the middle of a loom- agement to all sides and confidence to the commu- government office in Hong Kong) is encouraging ing trade war between the PRC and the US. Even nity in its ability to exercise its democratic rights. its supporters among the general public to vote, as a partial agreement between the PRC and the UK Although the Democratic Party declared in its a means to "develop future government personnel on financial arrangements for Hong Kong's new party constitution its adherence to the PRC for Hong Kong," although Beijing vows to negate airport, reached in November after years of wran- Constitution and to the Basic Law, PRC officials the results in 1997. NCNA officials also encour- gling, did not boost the markets significantly. continued to shun the party for its leaders' strong aged the formation in July 1994 of a new party, During the Christmas and Lunar New Year shop- support of the Tiananmen movement in 1989. the Hong Kong Progressive Alliance of conserva- ping season, retail trade was decidedly slower The PWC suggestion, made in October, for an tive business and professional personalities with than for a number of years. interim legislature to be appointed after 1997 little previous track record in public or communi- Nevertheless, the sense of caution and of pes- might have been intended to splash cold water on ty service. Presumably this was to broaden sup- simism has not paralysed Hong Kong. For most popular ardour after the September elections. port for the NCNA, in addition to its backing people, it is business as usual, as they go though Strong public sentiments, however, remained in from the DAB and the Liberal Party. When the their daily rounds. And political parties have favour of democracy, as attention in Hong Kong Hong Kong government announced in January its thrown themselves into the local elections with focused on the provincial and municipal elections intention to withdraw the proposed pension gusto. Despite the threats and pronouncements in Taiwan throughout much of November and scheme for seniors in the face of PRC opposition, from the north, all parties contested the district December. The massive turnout and generally the DAB joined with the Democrats and other board elections in September, when for the first peaceful balloting that resulted in a well balanced pro-democracy groups to press the government time all seats on the nineteen boards were open to distribution of power among the three major for some general retirement provisions. Only the direct election. There was a record turnout, and Taiwan parties was hailed by many in Hong Kong Liberal Party abstained from this all-party collab- most parties made significant gains. as a major step forward for all Chinese. It was not oration.

The Democratic Party, formed last August by lost on Hongkongans that the Taiwan elections The future certainly is in doubt, not only in the amalgamation of the United Democrats and were fought on the basis of which party could Hong Kong but also in the PRC, where the poli-

Meeting Point, the two largest pro-democracy provide the most honest, efficient, and democratic tics of the post-Deng era will be played out in the groups, won 75 seats. The Association for government and the most effective resistance to next few years. While a giant clock installed by Democracy and People's Livelihood, another pro- absorption by the PRC. Mr. Lu Ping on Tiananmen Square counts down democracy group, won 28. Taking part in electoral The new year opens with Hong Kong parties the seconds, minutes, hours, and days towards 1 politics for the first time, the Democratic Alliance preparing for the municipal elections in March. July 1997, observers ponder how many of the for Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), which is the For the 59 seats to be contested, the Democrats major political players in Hong Kong or the PRC party of the pro-Communist labour unions, won have nominated 33 candidates and the DAB 15. will still be on stage beyond that date.

Opening, cont'd from page 1

China Morning Post, microfilms, and the the family trust that helped finance pur-

recent shipment of over 3,000 volumes of chases. It is the most important resource

books, government publications, and for Hong Kong studies in the world. Mr.

other research materials collected in Yeung recently returned to Hong Kong Hong Kong by the coordinator of the to acquire books and other research Centre. materials for the Canada-Hong Kong

In July 1994, Peter Yeung was Resource Centre. He has also requested appointed coordinator of the Resource members of the Hong Kong immigrant

Centre. He is be responsible to the co- community to deposit their documents directors of the Canada and Hong Kong with the new Centre.

Project for operation of the Centre, col- An advisory committee for the

lection development, acquisition and cat- Resource Centre is being formed and aloguing, referencing, and bibliographic will consist of scholars from York control. Mr. Yeung, who immigrated to University and the University of

Toronto in 1991, worked for 25 years as a Toronto, community leaders, and gov-

professional librarian in the library sys- ernment officials. It will serve as a reser-

tem of Hong Kong University. In 1973 voir of expertise and experience for col-

he initiated a special collection at the lection building and liaison. The

library of documents, publications, Resource Centre will open to the public Opening ceremony the Canada-Hong Kong Resource Centre. manuscripts, and other material related to of during the spring of 1995. Its collection From to ngk: Peter Yeung, Micliael Stewnson, Paul Evans, Hong Kong. This collection, under his left will be non-circulating but will be made John Ijvn, S. V.P Hongkong Bank Canada, Heather Munro-Blwn, direction, later became the Hung On-to of of available for use on the premises by Leung, Bernard Luk and Diana Lary. Memorial Library, named in honour of CM. researchers.

UPDATE 3 Democracy and Development: The Hong Kong Paradigm

by Rup Narayan Das Jwaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

The ongoing debate over the pace of democrati- the colonial government by this elite then produces While Tose and others plead for a more authori-

zation in Hong Kong has triggered a moot ques- legitimacy for a polity that works without the man- tarian capitalism, the late Lord Kadoorie, who was

tion: whether increased democratization, making date of the people." a leading Hong Kong businessman, advocated that

the legislature more representative and broad- It is against this backdrop of the consensus poli- the territory could best survive under a benevolent based, will promote or retard growth and develop- tics which has given stability and prosperity to oligarchy. In many ways, such an oligarchy would

ment in Hong Kong. The causal connection Hong Kong that some advocates make the plea not be the continuation of Hong Kong's existing elitist

between democracy and development is of crucial to disturb Hong Kong's "social harmony." and paternalistic system of government. A com-

importance in the case of Hong Kong, which has a Adherents of this viewpoint support an authoritari- mon theme running through all these alternative long-standing tradition of a laissez-faire market an capitalism which can be secured by either the approaches to the question of democracy in Hong

economy without a strong tradition of liberal, rep- rule of a dominant party or charismatic leadership. Kong is that British-style electoral politics will

resentative democracy. The controversy has Such an approach is advanced by many high pro- politicize the people of the territory, which will in

assumed added significance in light of the file businessmen of Hong Kong, such as T.K. Ann, turn unleash disruptive and destabilizing forces Legislative Council's approval of Governor Chris a leading industrialist; the late Sir Y.K Pao, ship- inimical to economic development.

Patten's electoral reforms, broadening Hong ping tycoon; of the Bank of East Asia; However, the argument that only an authoritari-

Kong's electoral base, and the subsequent unani- and Hari Hailela, the doyen of the Indian commu- an regime can ensure stability in Hong Kong is mous vote by the Standing Committee of the nity in Hong Kong and also a leading businessman. simplistic. No one disputes that political stability

National People's Congress of China to disband The plea in favour of right-wing capitalism is promotes the continuity of policies and pro-

Hong Kong's Legco after 1 July 1997. based on the argument that "...China is converting grammes which could facilitate growth and devel- Given Hong Kong's role during the pro-democ- from a left-wing totalitarian dictatorship to a right- opment. But authoritarian regimes are not immune

racy movement after 4 June 1989, the PRC's main wing authoritarian government and that the from instability, and the prosperity achieved by reg-

concern is that Hong Kong will be used as a base Communist Party of China will soon be a imented regimes is as fragile as its stability is vul-

for subversion of the Com-munist system and that Communist Party in name only. This line of nerable. Singapore's phenomenal growth and pros-

Patten's democratic reforms will have a corrosive thought holds that expansion of the market econo- perity are not due to its political stability alone.

influence in Hong Kong and destabilize its econo- my is eroding the economic justification of the Among other factors, the city's economic success is

my and society. Communist system" [George L. Hicks, "Hong related to the high quality of its leadership and the The debate on whether democracy will promote Kong After the Sino-British Agreement," in Jurgen strong sense of discipline, dedication, and hard

or impede development in Hong Kong is best Domes & Yu-ming Shaw (eds), Hong Kong: A work of its people - qualities which are also com-

understood in the context of the political economy Chinese and International Concern, p. 238]. mon to Hong Kong.

of the territory. From its inception as a British The protagonists of this view tend to believe As advocates of greater democratization main-

colony, Hong Kong has been known for its "rags to that if the open door policy and economic liberal- tain, Hong Kong's culture is not authoritarian.

riches" stories, its dynamic entrepreneurs fuelled ization of China succeed, then by 1997 the PRC Although its people might have been indifferent to

by productivity and profit. Initially serving as an will be practising an authoritarian capitalism which politics in the past, given its historical circum-

entrepot, Hong Kong has emerged at the end of can be imposed on Hong Kong. Some Hong Kong stances as a British colony, its culture and tradition

20th century as the world's third largest financial businessmen echo the sentiment expressed by Lee of consensus are more attributes of democracy than

centre, as well as a leading maniifacruring and trad- Kuan Yew, the conservative leader of Singapore, of autocracy. Contrary to the conservative position

ing city. Many attribute Hong Kong's economic that the exuberance of democracy leads to indisci- of some business people, Hong Kong's stability

resilience to its freewheeling economy and the pline and disorderly conduct which is inimical to and way of life - its spirit of entrepreneurship -

political insularity of its people. development. would be better maintained through democratic

This political apathy, characterized by political Similarly, Phillip Tose, chairman of Peregrine institution-building than through autocratic rule.

consensus and societal harmony, is clearly reflect- Investments, a Hong Kong merchant bank, is of the In the words of Governor Patten when he first ed in the system of government which has evolved view that Hong Kong needs economic democracy, introduced his reform proposals to the Legislative

in the territory over time. Hong Kong's political not political democracy. He compares underdevel- Council in October 1992, "democracy is more than

stability is attributed to the success of the colonial oped countries like India and the Philippines, just a philosophical ideal.. ..without the rule of law

government in ensuring the cooperation of the which have rich natural resources, to the newly buttressed by democratic institutions, investors are

Chinese elite. This phenomenon has been industrialized nations (NICs) of Asia, such as left unprotected. Without an independent judiciary described by Ambrose Yeo-chi King as the Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. enforcing laws democratically enacted, business

"administrative absorption of politics," an arrange- Tose opines that the high economic growth of the will be vulnerable to arbitrary political decisions

ment whereby leaders among the Chinese popu- NICs is due to the authoritarian regimes that have taken on a whim - a sure recipe for a collapse in

lace are co-opted into the government administra- created the right environment for business to thrive, confidence and a powerful deterrent to investors

tive machinery. According to Lee Ming-kwan whereas countries like India and the Philippines from overseas."

["Politicians," in Hie Otlier Hong Kong Report have not prospered economically because of their

1990, p. 122], "This political support accorded to democratic polity.

Prime Minister Chretien's Visit to Hong Kong

Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his "Team Canadian support for maintaining Hong Kong's Canadian soldiers killed in the defence of Hong

Canada" of federal ministers and provincial pre- traditional freedoms and institutional stability. Kong in 1941 were buried. miers visited Hong Kong in November after their Mr. Chretien presided over the Mr. Raymond Chan, Secretary of State for trade promotion tour of the PRC. In his speeches Remembrance Day ceremony at the Saiwan Asia Pacific Affairs, visited Hong Kong again in Hong Kong, the prime minister reiterated Military Cemetery, where the bodies of in January.

4 UPDATE 1993 Hong Kong Immigrants Landed in Canada: Demographics

/>v Duma iMry. UBC, Vancouver

The number of immigrants from Hong Kong landed in Canada in 1993 continued at a level close to 1992's high of 38,841. The figure of 36,51 1* for

1993 is made up of all immigrants whose country of last permanent residence was Hong Kong (CLPR HK), and includes people whose visas were issued in

Hong Kong and at other Canadian offices abroad. In 1993 22% of CLPR HK visas were issued elsewhere than Hong Kong. [See 1992 Demographics in

Update, No. 10, Summer 1993, pp.8-9.] Demographic characteristics have not changed greatly between 1992 and 1993. The male/female ratio and the marital status of Hong Kong immigrants have shown a high degree of stability. The levels of knowledge of one of

Canada's official languages edged up in 1993, moving back towards levels of earlier years. There was also a slight reversal in a previous downward trend in terms of educational levels, particularly in post-secondary education, though the proportion of immigrants with secondary school education or less changed only very slightly. Education levels remain lower than for the early years for which we recorded statistics. The proportion of people who did not intend to work once they were in Canada, usually because they were too young or too old, rose slightly between 1992 and 1993. In several demographic aspects there are marked contrasts between immi- grant classes, for example in levels of education and in language knowledge.

We have indicated some of these where there is a significant variation.

Male/Female ratio

In 1993 the male/female ratio came close to balancing. The ratio was 51.5:48.5 (women:men) - a slight change from the 1992 ratio of 52:48, which in itself was closer to balance than the 199 1 ratio of 53:47. The 1993 ratio was almost back to the 1990 ratio of 51:49. -

Demographics, cont'd from page 5 Occupation Official Mother Language Tongue Only In 1990, about half of all immigrants from Hong Kong were destined for the work force. In 1991 that figure went down to 46%, and in 1992 to45%. 99 993 99 993 -A - }.-. .--! --_ ._-L ?--. --I - ... It fell again slightly in 1993 to 44%. Fifty-five per cent of those entering Independent 241166% 2717 67% 1268 34% 1348 33% Canada in 1992 were classified as non-workers, that is they were not expect- Assl. Rel. 413 60% 2268 63% 1603 40% 1324 37% Retired 2188 59% 3390 59% 1499 41% 2378 41% ing to look for work in Canada. Fifty-four per cent of those who were enter- Self-employed 37153% 429 48% 322 47% 466 52% ing the workforce were already classified for a specific job, as opposed to Family 633145% 4792 52% 789155% 4479 48% only 41% in 1992. This was the highest proportion since 1990, when 61% of 3472 Investors 1524 34% 1749 33% 2899 66% 67% workers were already classified. Entrepreneurs 246130% 2313 30% 5604 70% 5375 70% Refugees 12 29% 4 36% 29 71% 7 64%

Educational levels The educational qualifications of immigrants from Hong Kong held steady between 1992 and 1993. In 1993 72% of Hong Kong immigrants had

secondary school or less, compared to 73% in 1992. These compare with lower levels over the previous years, 1988, 59%; 1989, 64%; 1990, 66%; and

1991 , 69%. The slow increase in numbers of people with only limited educa-

tion is not explained by the slight rise in the proportion of children in the

1993 figures, because the number of children coupled with young people still only accounts for 30% of the total intake. The proportion of people with some post-secondary education was 18%

in 1993, and the proportion of university graduates was 11%. The percentage

of graduates is a slight recovery from the 1992 proportion (10%), and is the same as the 1991 percentage, though not yet as high as the proportions for 1988 (15%), 1989 (12%), or 1990 (12%).

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 None 2660 2031 3423 2430 3778 2777 11 % _ J *) _ . iJ9*2 _ _ Ji? 2 __ fl \3 _ _(J0%) _ _ (8%)_ Secondary ofless" fl063 " 10672 " 15723" "12902" 24355 "2~3288

(48%) (54%) _ (54%) (58_%)_ (63%) (64%) Trade certificate" 3282 2527 "3311 1809 2612 2725 14 3% 1% 8 7% 7 __( ?°1_ _(! ) _ (! )_ ( *_) _( )__ ( _% ) Non-university "1974 " 1458 1897 "l~35l" ~ 2162 "2058

(9%) _(7%)_ (6%) _ (6%) (6%)__" (6%) " " "703 " " ~986 " " 792" 966" UnFv" non-degree" " 822 f(J49" 1 " 1 __(4%)____(4%) (3%)___ (5%)_ _(5%)___(5%)_ B.A.""~ 2665 1740 2540 "l"943"" 290"l "2805

" Some post-grad. " 192 123 " 168" ""75 154 188 8 (.• *i _ _(•<>%)_ _ _ J&*>) _ _ JA%L . .till -&)_ M.A7 "702 "445 610 431 567 " 514 13%)____p_^____p%)____p%)___(1.5%}__(1.4%) "~ Ph.D! 38 " 3"2 40 " 43 75 58 __(.1_6%)_ (.16%) (.14%) (.19%) (.19%)_ (.15%) 2~ "" """224 Not stated" "f 296" "445 132" Total 23281 19861 28922 22392 38841 36511 Immigration Cases Canada His name was on the application as her New Director of Hong Kong dependent. He explained that when he later tried

There have been several recent cases in which to withdraw his name, he was advised by Government Office in Toronto criminal activities or connections of Hong Kong Canadian Commission officials that the famil) people have stood in the way of their being admit- must either go through the process together or ted to Canada. withdraw together. So he remained in the process In one case the immigration application of a for his wife's sake, but he did not land in Canada. 72 year old woman, Dolly Chan Shuk-ching, was During the Tiananmen movement, Mr. Tsang, turned down. She is the second wife of Cheung along with the rest of Hong Kong, openly sup- Yan-lung, New Territories rural leader and chair- ported the Beijing students. After the massacre, man of the Regional Council of Hong Kong. Ms. he publicly expressed his disillusionment with the Chan wanted to move to Canada bringing as her Communist authorities. He later mended his dependent her son, Stanley Cheung Tak-kwai, a fences with the Party. When the DAB was estab-

32 year old businessman. According to a report in lished following the crushing defeat of all pro- the Vancouver Sun [21 July 1994], Cheung Yan- PRC candidates by pro-democracy groups in the lung has connections to the Sun Yee On Triad. 1991 Legco election, he became its chairman.

Ms. Chan is appealing the decision to the Federal The DAB has been trying to win the trust of both Court of Canada. PRC officials and Hong Kong labour. In another case Carl Men Ky-ching was refused The Tsang family's emigration became gener- a visitor's visa to attend the World Basketball al knowledge after he was recognized by mem- C. M. Leung Championship in Toronto last August, on the bers of the public at a clinic for the immigration grounds that he failed Canada's tests for health and physical examination. His was not the only politi- Chin-man Leung has been appointed the new security. Mr. Men, who is president of the Asian cal family separated by migration. The wife and director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Basketball Confederation, has several times been children of Mr. Albert Ho, vice-chairman of the Office (Toronto) from July 1994. One of Hong refused entry to Canada as an immigrant. United Democrats, also immigrated to Canada Kong's highest ranking civil servants, he is also the Calls for the tightening up of Canada immi- last summer. However, it was reported that Mrs. chief representative of the Hong Kong Government gration rules and for the expeditious removal of Ho was permitted to submit her application with- in Canada His appointment extends beyond 1997. immigrants who commit crimes here may have out including her husband's name. Prior to his assignment to Canada, Mr Leung had some impact on the handling of cases from was the Deputy Secretary for Constitutional Hong Kong, as from elsewhere in the world. Hong Kong-Canadian Disk Affairs, responsible for the development and imple- However, officials are at pains to point out that mentation of Governor Patten's constitutional cases are handled on an individual basis. This is Jockey reform proposals for Hong Kong and guiding them demonstrated by a third case with a criminal con- through the Legislative Council. He has been a nection. A young man, Raymond Chu, who has Ms. Sook-yin Lee, a Chinese Canadian whose member of the Hong Kong Government for 28 lived in Canada for most of his life, had his parents immigrated from Hong Kong, was recently years, working first in the Immigration Department deportation order stayed, given that his connec- appointed disk jockey by Much Music, the Toronto and later in the Security Branch, the City and New tions with Hong Kong were now minimal. The mainstream pop music television channel. Lee, Territories Administration, and the Finance Branch. deportation was supposed to follow from a crimi- who was bom and brought up in Vancouver, is a In 1988 he was appointed Director of Community nal conviction for assault in 1988, for which he singer, actress, writer, and filmmaker in her own Relations in the Independent Commission Against served a prison term. He has now reformed his right. She attributes part of her creative impulses to Corruption. ways and severed connections to the criminal what she learned from her parents about street life Educated in Hong Kong at a time when very world. in Hong Kong. Her appointment is another mile- few high school graduates had the opprtunity to In an unrelated immigration matter, So Keng- stone in the integration of Hong Kong-Canadians go on to university, Mr. Leung studied on his own chit, a newspaper columnist and member of the into mainstream culture. and received his external B.A. degree in philosophy Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Democracy in from the University of London, with first class hon- China and of the United Democrats of Hong Kong, Local Elections in the Greater ours. He maintains a keen interest in philosophy, was granted refugee status in Toronto. He was especially in Karl Popper and the open society. admitted on the grounds of fear for his safety in Toronto Area Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices are Hong Kong, where he is reported to have received provided for under the Sino-British Joint death threats. Some 30 Chinese-Canadians ran for office in well the Basic law for the the Greater Toronto Area local elections held last Declaration, as as under November. Many of these candidates had immi- future Special Administrative Region of Hong DAB Chairman's Family function represent overseas the grated from Hong Kong. However, tens of thou- Kong. Their is to interests of Hong Kong as distinct from those of the Immigrate to Canada sands of Hong Kong immigrants are not yet eligi- ble to vote or ready to run, because of the recency United Kingdom and the People's Republic of wife not sovereign state, The and daughter of Mr. Tsang Yok-sing, of their arrival in this country. China Since Hong Kong is a chairman official" rather than of the Democratic Alliance for Prominent among the Canadians of Hong these offices enjoy "senior Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), the diplomatic status. At present there are eight such Hong Kong origin who won at this election were Ms Kong political party based missions around the world. The Toronto office, on pro-Communist Olivia Chow, re-elected as Metro Councillor; Ms labour unions, established in 1 , covers all of Canada. immigrated to Canada in August Tam Goossen, elected to a third term as Toronto October 99 1 and predecessor, Mr. Stephen Lam, settled in Vancouver. School Board Trustee; and Ms Carrie Cheng, a Mr. Leung's Mr. Tsang, a mathematics served in Toronto from 1991-94, is now post- teacher and princi- young graduate of the University of Toronto, elect- who pal of a Deputy Secretary for pro-Communist high school, admitted ed as Scarborough School Board Trustee. ed in Hong Kong as that his wife decided to emigrate in the wake of Constitutional Affairs, in charge of liaison with the Tiananmen massacre and applied to come to PRC officials.

UPDATE 7 MBA Trade Competition Winners Bring Canadian Wild Rice to Hong Kong

by Martha Benson Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

Would selling Canadian rice in Hong Kong be contacts in Hong Kong. The first-hand knowl- as tough as selling refrigerators to Eskimos? edge I gained as a winner provided me with the Three MBA graduate students from the foundation I needed to begin an international University of Saskatchewan arrived in Hong career."

Kong this past August to find out. The 1994 competition saw proposals to intro- Scott Musgrave, Susanne Marcotte, and Harry duce a variety of unique products and services to Schuurmans faced tough competition this past the Hong Kong market, including Canadian beer, year as 42 students from 12 business schools dried fish, environmental technology, automated across Canada competed for the coveted first stock trading and real estate listing services, elec- prize in the 7th annual MBA Trade Competition. tric wheelchairs, and tire recycling. The plans Organized by The Canadian Chamber of were judged by a panel comprised of past win- Commerce in Hong Kong, the competition gives ners and leading local business people in Hong students an opportunity to learn more about the Kong. Each entry was evaluated not only on its intricacies of working in the Hong Kong and depth of research and viability, but also on the Chinese markets, and for the winners, first-hand degree of innovation shown and understanding of experience of doing business in Hong Kong. The the business environment in Hong Kong. three winners were flown to Hong Kong where Susanne, Scott, and Harry's proposal to bring they worked for a month to make their plan a Canadian wild rice to Asia demonstrated superior reality. understanding of the difficulties involved in the

"It is one thing to desire to introduce a task and even included recipes that would appeal

Canadian product into an Asian market, but it is to Asian tastes in order to help speed the intro- quite another to draw up a plan and then effectu- duction. ate it," said the winners. To help them get started, Other 1994 winners include: Second Prize Cliamber president Barry Macdonald accepts a the Chamber organized a luncheon at the Hilton (Quebec), Michael Bently and Michelle Legault gift on belialf of tlie Chamberfrom MBA Trade on August 1 1 for the three students to present of McGill University for Greensback competition winners Harry Schuurmans and their plan and introduced them to several business Technologies; and Third Prize (Ontario), Carmen Scott Musgrave. leaders in the community. The wild rice was fea- Y.C. Chan, Jay McNaughton, and Peter Wong of tured on the luncheon menu and won rave Wilfred Laurier University for AutoTrade.

result their work in Additional regional prizes were awarded: British reviews. As a of research and the Chairperson of the MBA Trade Competition Hong Kong, the three are confident that Riese's Columbia, Simon Fraser University for the intro- Committee, Helen Wong. "As an MBA student, I Canadian Lake Wild Rice should be on supermar- duction of Habitron to Hong Kong; Alberta, was fully aware of the increasing globalization of shelves in this summer. University of Alberta for Alberta Jet Fresh Pork; ket Hong Kong by business and the need for Canadian companies to winners competition have benefit- , St. Mary's University for Titan Past of the become more competitive abroad," Helen said. ed greatly similar experiences, of Radar International Inc.; and New Brunswick, from and many "The contest enabled me to put our classroom them are now working in Kong, including University of N.B. for the Blue Cove Group. Hong theories into practice and make valuable business

Summer Job Programme in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office these six universities. Those graduating in 1995 All applications for this year's competition

is advertising its summer Job Placement are not eligible. Some knowledge of Cantonese or are due by 31 March 1995. Students should sub-

Programme for undergraduate students at six Mandarin is a desirable asset. Applicants selected mit their forms together with an essay, "Hong Canadian universities. This work experience pro- will receive air passage, a stipend from the partici- Kong Job Placement Programme: Opportunities

gramme, now in its second year, has been orga- pating Hong Kong companies, and an accommo- and Challenges for Canadian Students." A selec- nized by the HKETO to expose Canadian stu- dation allowance. tion committee will conduct interviews with dents to the working and social environment in Last year eight Canadian students from many finalists in the first week of May. Hong Kong. The placements are for the two sum- different backgrounds were chosen for the pro- Application forms are available at the job mer months of July and August. gramme. These included Jacqueline Chan, who placement offices of the six universities; from Six universities in Canada have been chosen was assigned to eight different departments of the the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office

for this pilot programme. They include the Hongkong Bank; Bibhas Damodar Vaze, a politi- (174 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5R 2M7;

University of Toronto, University of Western cal science student who worked for Radio tel. 416-924-5544; fax 416-924-3599); and Ontario, York University, Simon Fraser Television Hong Kong; and Suzanne Williams, an from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada University, University of British Columbia, and Asian Studies major who was placed as a research (666 - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 604-681- University of Victoria. The summer job pro- assistant at the Hong Kong Tourist Association 3E1 ; tel. 604-684-5986; fax 1370)>

gramme is open to continuing, full-time and compiled a market report on international visi-

undergraduate students from all faculties at tors to Hong Kong.

8 UPDATE Hong Kong Contemporary Arts

by Yan-chi Choi Toronto

Much has been stressed about the success of "To search for cultural identity" was the domi- they needed to organize to demand change, a the Hong Kong economy, especially in the count- nant focus for Hong Kong artists of the 1960s and workers' union, the Art Administrators

down to 1997, and little about the territory's cultur- 1970s, while the artists of the 1980s were more Association, was formed as a pressure group

al achievements. The profile of Hong Kong, its life interested in searching for new horizons and break- to lobby for improvement in official support of

and its people, is stereotyped as a crowd, blind- ing barriers - the boundaries between audience and the arts.

folded by money, with little depth of thought or art works, between photography and painting, The Beijing Massacre of 4 June 1989 was

culture. between different disciplines, between new ideas another turning point for Hong Kong artists. The

Though lack of institutional support and mar- and tradition. Artists from different media, such as expression of political concerns, rarely seen in art kets has hindered development of the arts in Hong dancers, poets, and painters, collaborated on new works of the 1960s and 1970s, became more domi- Kong, new ideas and forms have, nevertheless, works. Since they were not producing for the com- nant in the 1990s. Many works are loaded with continued to flourish. Since the late 1970s, a young mercial market, they had greater freedom to exper- political messages, and some have become too generation of Hong Kong artists has strenuously iment with new forms and ideas. didactic. In particular vogue among young Hong

worked against the stream, introducing a new Also in 1980 a new modem dance company Kong artists are installations and mixed-media arts.

phase of dynamic, contemporary art. Many of was formed, the City Contemporary Dance The openness and diversity ot forms are appropri-

these artists who had studied in the U.S., France or Company. The CCDC has been responsible for ate to express the unfulfilled aspirations of this

England chose to return to Hong Kong in the introducing alternative dance forms, and it is new generation.

1980s and pursue their careers. These included presently promoting modem dance in the PRC. In the 1990s, the tide has turned for contempo-

Danny Yung and Gus Wong (performing artists), "Zuni," a dynamic theatre group, was also founded rary art, and many artists have joined together to

Yang Wong (painter), Antony Mak (sculptor), in the early 1980s and has been a strong motivat- voice their needs. At present, a major concern in

Willy Cho and Helen Lai (modern dancers), Choi ing force for the younger generation. It has chal- the Hong Kong art world is the formation of the

Yan-chi (painter and installation artist), Michael lenged local traditions and institutions, creating a Art Council, begun in 1992. The Council is a gov-

Chan (photographer), and Lam Man-yee (compos- dialogue with the Hong Kong community and art. ernment organization for policy setting and fund-

er). A number of Hong Kong trained artists, such In 1985 the Hong Kong Arts Centre presented ing of the arts. An advisory committee of the

as Kwok Man-ho (performance and installation its first installation exhibition, "An Extension into Council is composed of artists and government

artist), Leung Kar-tai, and Joseph Fung (photogra- Space," with works by artist Choi Yan-chi. Though officials. Last spring the Art Council accepted

pher) also joined the new movement. it received considerable attention, reviews of the applications for art projects and programmes. It

"Journey to China," an experimental theatre show were very critical. However, installation art will support different disciplines, including visual

work performed in the Hong Kong Arts Centre in became a popular medium for young Hong Kong arts, theatre, music, and literature. Film-making

1980, signifies the beginning of this emerging artists in the 1990s. New artists joined the contem- has also made an appeal for inclusion. The Art

trend. This work was produced at the time the porary art movement. These include Oscar Ho Council is an important innovation of the present

British government was turning to a new strategy (sculptor), Wong Woo-bik (photographer), Chan Hong Kong government to support the arts in the

for its last decades of colonial rule, and Hong Yuk-keung (sculptor), and Josh Hon (painter and three remaining years before 1997.

Kong business people were making plans to travel performance artist). Thus, the 1980s was an era of Hong Kong artists have a great deal of expecta-

to the PRC to explore the mystery of the "awaken- exploration for Hong Kong artists, and new forms tions of the new Council. Freedom of expression,

ing dragon." of art - videos, installation arts, alternative photog- improvement of art education, and research on

Though aesthetically abrasive, "Journey to raphy, experimental theatre and dance - projected Hong Kong art history are the prime concerns,

China," written by Danny Yung, was successful in Hong Kong ahead of other Asian cities. besides funding and art development policy. Yet, generating relevant questions, arguments, and dis- In 1984 a conference on "art and the city" was the remaining time before the PRC assumes agreements. One of the major ideas shared by organized by the Hong Kong Arts Centre. It ques- sovereignty over Hong Kong is short. If proper

artists of that era was "to step out," to dismantle, or tioned the government's policy on support and policy and programmes can be quickly established,

"to break through the frame" of more traditional sought revival of the arts in Hong Kong. At the there may still be time to generate a dynamic

art styles. Each artist experimented in different conference, a government advisory officer growth of the Hong Kong arts in the future. While

medias with new forms and directions, initiating an declared that the government believed in "the free the economic success of Hong Kong is important

"age of pluralism" in the Hong Kong art scene. Art development of the arts," and that it had no official for the territory's future stability and prosperity, it

issues and the Western "isms" of the 1970s strong- "cultural policy." Many in the art community inter- is also vital that its art, reflecting the mind and

ly influenced the work of this generation. preted this statement to mean "no commitment or soul, the voice and thoughts of Hong Kong people, support" from the government. As artists realized flourish and be recognized.

Extramarital Affairs in PRC

With the open door policy of the PRC, tens of men and women of the Mainland, where costs are great deal of concern over the sudden influx of a thousands of Hongkongans, mostly men, have said to be very cheap. While the exact number of large and unknown number of children bom out of

crossed the border to work in joint ventures or other extramarital relations cannot be known, the extent such unions, into Hong Kong after 1997. The Basic

businesses on the Mainland, where their technical is believed to be quite serious. The "Mainland mis- Law provides that children bom of Hong Kong par- skills and managerial know-how are in great tresses" issue was raised in the Hong Kong ents outside the territory would have right of abode

demand. While very few have settled down on the Legislative Council in January, after social workers in Hong Kong. It has been estimated that there are other side of the border, thousands habitually spend reported an increasing incidence of complaints some 60,000 children in the PRC bom of Mainland many days or weeks there and return to their fami- from Hong Kong wives. wives and Hong Kong husbands. The number of lies in Hong Kong only on weekends or holidays. In addition to any moral, emotional, and famil- children bom out of wedlock is believed to be ris-

This has given rise in many instances to mar- ial problems that these affairs might engender both ing rapidly, but cannot be ascertained.

riage or extramarital affairs between Hong Kong in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, there is also a

UPDATE 9 'Hong Kong: Portraits of Power"

hy Janet A. Ruhinoff Toronto

Evelyn S.Y. Huang, who immigrated to Canada Hong Kong; Martin Lee, barrister and leader of the Joseph Wong, doctor and community leader in from Hong Kong in 1967, is writing her second Democratic Party of Hong Kong; Li Ka-shing, bil- Toronto; Adrienne Clarkson, writer and television book and her first on Hong Kong. Her new work, lionaire entrepreneur; Joyce Ma, fashion magnate; producer; Lee Kum Sing, pianist and professor of entitled Hong Kong: Portraits ofPower, will focus Sir , movie and television mogul; music, and Der Hoi- Yin, journalist and national on 25 interviews with successful entrepreneurs of Elsie Elliott Tu, life-long crusader for social justice business correspondent for The Journal on CBC-

Hong Kong, leaders in the world of commerce, pol- and senior member of Legco; and Wang Gungwu, TV It also gives a brief history of the Chinese com- itics and community service. These men and Vice Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong. munity in Canada and its quest for equality. women are the "people who have made Hong The book will be published in October 1995 by A graduate in history from the University of

Kong what it is today. They have seen it grow from Orion in the U.K. The well known TV documen- Hong Kong and a Certified General Accountant, a small colony of refugees and British merchants to tary producer, Michael McLear, will be featuring a Ms Huang is presently working on her M.A. in one of the great financial centres of the world." The special TV program on the book in the fall. Political Science at York University. Among her book, which will also have an introduction on the Published in 1992, Ms. Huang's first book, many accomplishments as a writer and community history and culture of Hong Kong, is co-authored Chinese Canadians: Voices from a Community, leader in Toronto, she was also a former financial with Lawrence Jeffery; the photographs were done also co-authored with Lawrence Jeffery, presented advisor to the Ontario Ministry of Treasury and by Lord Snowdon. a series of interviews with prominent members of Economics and is a member of the board of direc- Among those featured in her new book are the Chinese Canadian community. Among these tors for the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto Sally Au Sian, media mogul and CEO of Sing Too community leaders interviewed are Dock Yip, the Symphony, and the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Newspapers; Anson Chan, Chief Secretary of the first Chinese called to the bar in Canada; Bob Lee, She also serves on the advisory committee of the Hong Kong government; Baroness Lydia Dunn, entrepreneur; David Lam, Lt.-Govemor of British Canada and Hong Kong Project's new Resource member of the House of Lords, the Harilela Columbia; Bob Wong, politician and first Chinese Centre for Hong Kong Studies. She lives with her

Brothers, billionaire businessmen; Stanley Ho, bil- Canadian appointed minister in a provincial gov- husband and children in Toronto. lionaire and multinational businessman; Charles ernment; Susan Eng, lawyer and chair of the Kao, Vice Chancellor of the Chinese University of Metropolitan Toronto Police Services Board;

NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS I IM BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF

Visit of Andre Ouellet to performances, and encouragement of research and by CM. Leung, the new director of the Hong teaching in the arts, culture, and sports. Kong Economic and Trade Office. James So, the

Hong Kong M. Ouellet also took part in an exchange of let- Secretary for Recreation and Culture in the Hong

ters on cooperation in the fight against drug traf- Kong Government, was in British Columbia for Andre Ouellet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, ficking. the events. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade visited Hong Kong in early August after a visit to Office also sponsored performances by a troupe the PRC While in China he had a meeting with from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts Premier Li Peng, in which he raised the question New Canadian Commissioner and a photograph exhibition, "A Day in Hong of the position of Canadian citizens in Hong Kong in Hong Kong Kong." Hong Kong won three medals during the after 1997. Mr. Li was able to reassure M. Ouellet Games. that there is "no reason to believe that Canadians Mr. Garrett Lambert was appointed the new Mr. So gave several talks during his time in will be treated unfairly" after 1997 [South China Canadian Commissioner in Hong Kong last sum- British Columbia. Speaking to the Hong Kong Morning Post, 6 August 1994, p.2]. In a speech to mer. He replaced John Higginbotham, who has Canada Business Association, Mr. So was enthusi- the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong been reassigned as Minister in the Canadian astic about the future of Hong Kong and particularly Kong M. Ouellet said, on the issue of 1997: Embassy in Washington D.C. A graduate of the about the opportunities in the communications "Canada has a vital interest in seeing a smooth, University of Toronto, Mr. Lambert has been industry. However, he stressed that Canadians orderly and equitable transition, one that will Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria and to would have to make serious efforts to be involved in maintain the well-being of the large Canadian Malaysia. He is one of the top trade specialists in the booming Asian communications industry, which I assure that I this community here. can you made Ottawa has represented in and Canada a number has its hub in Hong Kong.* point very clearly to leadership the Chinese in of important trade negotiations. Prior to his last week. Beijing appointment to Hong Kong, he was a top adminis- will to very closely Chief Secretary Anson Chan's Canadians continue follow trator in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the changes that Hong Kong people and institu- International Trade in Ottawa. Visit to Canada tions will face in the next few years. While 1997

will be a major watershed in your history, we are Mrs. Anson Chan, Chief Secretary of the Hong confident that vital Hong Kong and the Hong Kong's unique and eco- Kong Government, visited Canada as part of a nomic role will be preserved and strengthened in Commonwealth Games North American tour in October. She met with the coming years. We have confidence in Hong Prime Minister Jean Chretien and other cabinet min-

Kong and in China to make things work." The 1994 Commonwealth Games, held in isters during her stay in Ottawa She gave a number

While in Hong Kong, M. Ouellet signed a Victoria last August, were the last at which Hong of major speeches both in Ottawa and Toronto, in memorandum of understanding with the Hong Kong will compete as a member of the which she stressed the importance and growing Kong government on strengthening cultural coop- Commonwealth. To mark this occasion the Hong strength of Hong Kong-Canada relations. She also eration between the two places. The agreement Kong Government sent a team of athletes to the emphasized the determination of Hong Kong to

covers a wide range of cultural activities, including Games and also organised a number of events in remain a free, honest, open, and successful society exchanges of artists, sportsmen, sponsorship of hosted Victoria and in Vancouver. The events were under rule of law, towards 1 997 and beyond.

10 UPDATE NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF

Mr. Chan is ihe first Hongkongan and the first and Bernard Luk, were invited to present papers on A number of future seminars are planned that woman to hold the position of head of the civil service Vancouver and Toronto, respectively. Other pre will focus on political, economic, or environmen- tnd chief adviser to the Governor of Hong Kong. sentations included a paper by Paul Kwong of tal issues. Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia, on the impact of emigration on Hong Kong society. Visa Student Killed in Toronto Immigrant Hong Kong has been the leading source coun- Teenager Charged Highrise Fire try for Chinese immigration to Canada since the for Faking Abduction 1960s. Nearly three-quarters of Chinese-Canadians In January, six people were killed in a night fire have come from Hong Kong or were descended An immigrant student from Hong Kong attend- that broke out in a highrise apartment building in from Hong Kong immigrants. ing grade 1 3 in suburban Toronto was charged in North York, Ontario. One of the victims was Professor Lary also gave a paper on "Political December in connection with her own faked kid- Vivian Lam. a 16 year old visa student from Hong Participation and the Canadian Chinese: the Road napping for ransom The young woman lived with Kong, attending a public high school in the neigh- to the 1993 Election," at the Hong Kong her mother and siblings in Toronto. Her father oper- bourhood. Her family had planned to immigrate to Conference on Overseas Chinese, held at Hong ated a business in Hong Kong and was reportedly Canada later this year, but had sent her to begin Kong University in December. often absent from home. Toronto last September so that her studies in There are numerous "astronauts" among immi- schooling would not be interrupted. She was living grant families from Hong Kong, who find it imper- alone in her apartment. Project Sponsors Hong Kong ative to return to the territory with some frequency. There are several thousand visa students from Seminar Series Although working in Hong Kong, many "astro- Kong attending high schools in Canada. Hong nauts" bring family remittances to Canada amount- These students bring millions of dollars in tuition new series of seminars on orga- A Hong Kong, ing to rnillions of dollars annually. While long fees and living expenses into the local communi- nized by the Canada and Hong Kong Project, was absences from home may be an economic necessi- ties. While many of these youngsters live with rela- introduced in January 1995. seminars will The be ty, such a lifestyle often causes considerable stress tives and guardians or lodge in school dormitories, held alternately at York University and the to many of the family members remaining in a sizeable number live alone or with peers in rented University of Toronto. They will cover a wide Canada. apartments, giving rise to concern in many quarters range of topics related to Hong Kong, Canada- about their wellbeing. Hong Kong relations, and communities of Hong Kong origin in Canada. Hong Kong Reference Manual

The first seminar, entitled Project Publishes Study on Visa "Banking and for Teachers Finance in Hong Kong after 1997," was given on Students January 16 by Dr. David Bond, Chief Economist John Boltom, a senior English-as-a-Second- and Vice President for Government and Public Language (ESL) teacher with the Scarborough The Canada and Hong Project has Kong Affairs of the Hongkong Bank of Canada. Co- Board of Education, was granted a sabbatical leave recently published the second volume in its sponsored by the Project and York International, by his Board during 1994-95 to spend several Research Papers series, "Hong Kong Visa Students the talk was attended by many professors and grad- months in Hong Kong. Mr. Boltom, who grew up in Secondary Schools in Metropolitan Toronto." uate students from the two universities. A recep- in Ontario and graduated from the University of Commissioned by the Project as part of its 1992 tion, hosted by Vice President Michael Stevenson Toronto, has taught in schools in Canada, the workshop on Visa Hong Kong Students in Canada, of York University, followed the seminar. Caribbean, and Hong Kong. He speaks Cantonese this study, conducted by Dr. Paul L.M. Lee, focus- A second seminar, entitled "Archaeology and and has worked with Chinese ESL students for es on the experiences and expectations of visa stu- Historical Conservation in Hong Kong," was held many years. Most of his students in Scarborough dents at the secondary level and the efforts being on February 3 at the Canada and Hong Kong are from Hong Kong. His sabbatical project is to made by schools and school boards to meet the Resource Centre of the University of Toronto. The develop a reference manual on Hong Kong educa- challenge. It examines the life styles, living speakers were Susanna Siu, Curator (Historical tion, society, and culture for the use of mainstream arrangements, personal problems, language diffi- Buildings) of the Hong Kong Antiquities and teachers in the Greater Toronto Area who work culties, and needs of these students and suggests Monuments Office, and Hing-wah Chau, with immigrant or visa students from Hong Kong* ways to improve school and community services Assistant Curator (Archaeology) of the Hong for visa students. extensive An student question- Kong Museum of History. naire (reprinted in the volume) intensive Phone Numbers Change in and more Mr Chau traced the development of archaeolo- interviews with students and school personnel gy in Hong Kong since the early 20th century and Hong Kong were utilized in the study. presented the most recent discoveries made by sal- Other presentations that The growth of telecommunications services in were originally given vage excavations in connection with the Port and at the Project's Visa Student Hong Kong has led to an increase in the demand Workshop, part of Airport Development Scheme. Altogether more Festival Hong Kong '92 in Canada, are for phone numbers To mod Hong Kong's needs summa- than 200 sites have been found in the territory of rized into the 21st century, the telecommunications reg- in the introduction to this volume. It can be Hong Kong, dating from the New Stone Age about purchased ulatory authority, OFTA, announced a new plan directly from the Project for CDNS7. 6,000 B.R through various Chinese dynasties [See order form on back page.] that will make more numbers available. beginning with the Eastern Han. From 1 January 1995, all 7-digit business and Ms. Siu described several of the most impor- residential phone and fax numbers have under- Tokyo tant historical buildings in Hong Kong, including & Hong Kong Symposia gone a simple change: they are now prefixed with both Chinese traditional rural houses and British the digit 2, added to the existing number, to make A symposium on Chinese communities in colonial public buildings. She discussed the 8 digits. Apart from this, the original number will North American cities was organized by the Centre achievements as well as the difficulties of conserv- remain unchanged. For example, 888-2888 has of Areas Studies of Keio University, Tokyo, on 2-3 ing and restoring historical buildings in the face of become 2888-2888. Pager numbers have not yet December 1994. The co-directors of the Canada the very rapid urbanization and redevelopment in been changed. and Hong Kong Project, Professors Diana Lary the territory.

UPDATE 11 2

PROJECT PUBLICATIONS

Canada and Hong Kong Papers:

No. 1 : Politics and Society in Hong Kong towards 1 997, Charles Burton, ed, 1992. $ 1

No. 2: Canada-Hong Kong: Some Legal Considerations, William Angus, ed., 1992. S 1

No. 3: Hong Kong and China in Transition, by J. Burns, V. Falkenheim, & D.M.Lampton, 1994. $12 No. 4: Canada-Hong Kong: Human Rights and Privacy Law Issues,

by J. Chan and William Angus, eds., August 1994. $12

Research Papers:

No. 1 : Economic Integration of Hong Kong with China in the 1990s, Yun-Wing Sung, 1992. $7

No. 2: Hong Kong Visa Students in Secondary Schools in Metropolitan Toronto, Paul L.M. Lee, 1994. $7

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