The relations between Britain and China over Hong Kong 's political future has cast a pall over the colony 's financial markets . Governor Lee has called elections in 1994 and 1995 to allow for greater democracy for the people and is supported by the people . Patten has repeatedly indicated a go - it - alone possibility marking a change in British policy toward Hong Kong and China , which had a priority on reaching agreement with Britain . China claims that financing proposals from the Hong Kong government would put a heavy financial burden on the post-1997 community . China could sacrifice the economic well - being of its people in response to a perceived threat to its sovereignty .
Deteriorating relations between Britain and China over Hong Kong's political future has cast a pall over the colony's financial markets. Governor Patten has proposed elections in 1994 and 1995 to allow for greater democracy for the people and is supported by the people. Patten has repeatedly indicated a go-it-alone possibility marking a change in British policy toward Hong Kong and China, which had placed priority on reaching agreement with Beijing. China claims that financing proposals from the Hong Kong government would put a heavy financial burden on the post-1997 community. China could sacrifice the economic well-being of its people in response to a perceived threat to its authority.