HONG KONG - In an extraordinary turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the international community, the British Government has refused to proceed with the scheduled handover of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China.
The dramatic announcement came just hours before the midnight deadline, when Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed the nation from Downing Street, declaring that Britain could not "in good conscience" transfer 6.5 million people to a government that had shown "insufficient commitment to preserving democratic institutions."
Governor Chris Patten, who had been expected to sail out of Victoria Harbour aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, instead addressed crowds gathered at Tamar, announcing that the colonial administration would remain in place "for the foreseeable future."
Chinese officials have condemned the decision as a "gross violation of international law" and a return to "colonial imperialism." President Jiang Zemin has demanded an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Foreign Office has stated that Royal Navy vessels have been repositioned in the South China Sea as a "precautionary measure." HMS Illustrious and accompanying vessels departed Singapore yesterday evening.
Reaction in Hong Kong has been mixed, with pro-democracy campaigners expressing cautious support whilst business leaders warn of severe economic consequences. The Hang Seng Index is expected to face significant turbulence when markets open.
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