1.   However, that was too far for China, which has chosen its own provisional council to replace the legislature as soon as it gains control in July.

2.   The legislature is being replaced by a body made up of legislators hand-picked by the Communist leadership in Beijing.

3.   Party chairman Martin Lee said Patten avoided the issue that the rule of law would not survive if the legislature is replaced.

4.   Beijing also replaced the legislature elected under British rule, which was dominated by pro-democracy politicians, with one controlled by pro-business and pro-Beijing conservatives.

5.   British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook charged that China had already broken a commitment by replacing Hong Kong legislature with an unelected body.

6.   But in offering talks, Tung offered no concessions on the plans to replace the legislature with an appointed body.

7.   China has promised the provisional legislature will be replaced by an elected one after a year.

8.   China rejects the reforms, later says legislature will be replaced with appointed body pending fresh elections.

9.   Five of the men are lawmakers and are likely to lose their jobs when China replaces the legislature with an appointed, temporary assembly.

10.   Foreign Ministry spokesman Chen Jian told reporters the government was familiar with the views expressed in the letter, but was not changing its position on replacing the legislature.