Britain Seeks Universal Suffrage In Hong Kong, Foreign Secretary Says

HONG KONG — Britain wants to see universal suffrage introduced in its former colony of Hong Kong as soon as possible, the country's Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said yesterday. Ms. Beckett also played up the British legacy's role in the Chinese territory, dismissing suggestions that Britain's relationship with Hong Kong has diminished since the city returned to Chinese rule 10 years ago.

Ms. Beckett, who was in town during an eight-day trip to China, Hong Kong, and Japan, emphasized that Britain wants Hong Kong to achieve full suffrage soon. "Our position is clear: We want to see universal suffrage introduced in Hong Kong as soon as possible," she said.

Ms. Beckett met leader Donald Tsang, with whom she shared her views about the city, including constitutional development. "I don't underestimate the difficulty of the obstacles inherent in political reform — including the move to universal suffrage. But the prize is worth it," she said.