Is Hong Kong ‘ceding’ land to mainland China? Fears grow after revelation joint checkpoint at rail terminus will not operate under lease
Hong Kong’s transport chief says once bill is passed, a ‘contract’ between both governments will provide flexible way to implement arrangement
An area for mainland Chinese officials to enforce national laws at a rail terminus in Hong Kong will not operate under a lease agreement, as previously thought, sparking questions on whether the city was “ceding” land to the central government.
Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan told lawmakers on Tuesday there would be a contract governing Beijing’s use of the area, but suggested it would not have a lease clause.
“The acquisition of the right to use areas of the mainland port area, including conditions such as duration and fees ... will be provided in a contract to be entered into by the two sides,” Chan said.
“This is a very flexible way of dealing with the matter. We should not haggle over whether there will be a lease.”
We should not haggle over whether there will be a lease ... When we reach an agreement, we will announce it to the public
Chan was speaking at a Legislative Council meeting to discuss the government bill on the controversial arrangement that mainland Chinese police and customs officials would handle immigration for travellers in both directions in one section of the West Kowloon terminus.
