China to scrap adviser group

HONG KONG: China is to disband a group of 180 advisers on Hong Kong affairs after the handover in a move to dispel fears of a second power centre, Chinese sources said here today.

The 180 advisers, chosen by the Beijing government to advise the Chinese government on matters relating to Hong Kong, will be disbanded after the inauguration of the first special administrative region government of Hong Kong on July 1, the sources said. ``Their service will not be required since they have completed their mission,'' the source said.

The advisers, who are mainly businessmen, professionals and community leaders, have been invited by Xinhua news agency, China's de facto government representative in Hong Kong, to attend a function on July 2.

Pak waives visas

HONG KONG: Pakistan has joined a growing list of nations recognising Hong Kong's new passport and waiving entry visas after China takes back the British-ruled territory next week, the government said today.

Hong kong will issue ``special administrative region'' (SAR) passports after it reverts to China at midnight on June 30.

``This vote of confidence in the SAR passport signifies the strong and welcome commitment of the Pakistani Government to Hong Kong's continued success,'' the Hong Kong government said.

So far some 30 countries -- including Britain, the United States, Singapore, Canada, and the Philippines -- have waived visas or pledged easy access for holders of the new passport in a trend that has boosted local confidence.

Mascot for bash

BEIJING: Chinese dolphin, an endangered species under state protection in China, will be the mascot for celebrations of Hong Kong's return to China.

There are several reasons for choosing the precious mammal, known for its mild temper and cleverness, as the mascot. First, the dolphin, which is 2.2 to 2.5 meters long and weighs over 230 kgs, can only be found along the coast and bays in south China, thus can well symbolise Hong Kong as an important seaport city.

Second, the name of the Chinese dolphin, who swims back to the Pearl river for reproduction each year, demonstrates that Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China and ought to return to the motherland.

Third, in the habit of living in groups, the dolphin implies the eagerness of the Hong Kong compatriots to return to the embrace of their motherland.

Patriotic media

BEIJING: With merely six days left before Hong Kong reverts back to Chinese sovereignty, China's state-controlled media continue to churn out their daily patriotic propaganda, with newspaper liturgies trumpeting the end of ``150 years of humiliation at the hands of foreign invaders.''

But ordinary citizens here seem to lack the patriotic fervour of the propaganda chieftains. While recognizing Hong Kong's return as a big event, few seem to be aware either of the history of Hong Kong.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.