Patten ignores Chinese warnings of 'chaos' in HK

HONG KONG (Reuter) - Governor Chris Patten of Hong Kong yesterday brushed aside China's warning that Peking would not sit idly by if the colony became chaotic as a result of political reforms. Hong Kong was a model of stability and prosperity, Mr Patten said. 'We have here in Hong Kong a stable, prosperous, incredibly successful community, recognised as such by the whole of the world.'

Peking has been enraged by Mr Patten's proposals for limited democracy. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, said China still hoped for co-operation with Britain. 'However, if there can no longer be co- operation, we cannot sit idly by while there is chaos in Hong Kong.'