Presently a British Crown colony, Hong Kong will revert to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, when it will become a Special Administrative Region of China. The British and Chinese governments disagree about the interpretation of the 1985 Sino-British agreement and the Basic Law (Hong Kong's post-1997 constitution). Britain wants to push Hong Kong further toward elective democracy. However, Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten's policy is being undermined by his failure to conclude a deal with China, which strongly opposes any change to the "status quo." Talks stretching to 17 rounds have failed to resolve the dispute.
Governor Patten's attempts to increase the number of elected members on the Legco (Legislative Council) have, however, speeded the formation of political parties. Prominent figures on the Hong Kong political scene include Martin Lee, leader of the UDHK, and his main rival, the leader of the Liberal Party, Allen Lee. In the 1995 Legco elections, pragmatism may lead to greater support for the Liberals, who are more acceptable to China.
