Optimistic outlook for Sino-British relations, claims Jeremy Hanley

Maintaining a optimistic outlook on Sino-British relations over the future of Hong Kong, Jeremy Hanley, the Foreign Office minister responsible for the colony, said yesterday that the long wrangle over the attendance of the Governor, Chris Patten, at next year's ceremonies to mark the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule, had been resolved.

Following a meeting in Peking with Lu Ping, China's most senior official responsible for the territory's affairs, Mr Hanley said: "I had confirmation from Lu Ping that he is looking forward to shaking the Governor's hand at the handover ceremony." However, Mr Lu himself gave no confirmation of Mr Hanley's remarks. Steven Vines