by Warwick Evans
It's a life on the ocean wave for China as paramount leader Deng Xiao-ping tries to
float the good ship Renminbi.
But it's not to be. Speculators quickly pull the plug, and the Chinese currency hits
rock bottom. Sorry Granddad, the idea was scuppered before leaving port.
Further south, and it's all aboard the Ship of Democracy for Captain Chris Patten and
his able crew. Full speed ahead on the reform process.
No slow boat to China, this one. But watch out - these are uncharted waters and it
won't be all plain sailing.
So watch out for the weather, keep scanning the horizon and above all look out for
those red sails in the sunset.
