This matters to the United States because our stake in Hong Kong is substantial. More than 1,100 companies operate there, making it the hub of U.S. commerce in the world’s fastest-growing region. U.S. Navy ships make frequent port calls. U.S.-Hong Kong law-enforcement cooperation has helped us fight drug trafficking, alien smuggling and other crime. And Hong Kong is the embodiment of an open society whose economic well-being is based on free markets and high legal standards. I will represent the United States at the transfer ceremony. My presence will underline continued U.S. engagement in Hong Kong and our sustained support for the freedom and autonomy of its people.
On July 1 the people of Hong Kong will take pride in having transformed a barren rock into a jewel of prosperity; the British, in having introduced good governance and the rule of law, and the Chinese, in having regained authority over the region after so many years. The challenge China’s leaders face now is to exercise authority in a way that ensures Hong Kong’s continued success. China’s obligations are spelled out in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, in which China pledges that Hong Kong will possess “a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defense affairs.” Under the Declaration, Hong Kong will continue to protect private property, business ownership and foreign investment. The territory will levy its own taxes, keep its own revenues, maintain its currency, retain its status as a free port with its own customs system and international financial center, and continue its external economic relations. Hong Kong’s government–composed of local residents–will be responsible for protecting basic rights and freedoms and maintaining public order. Although Chinese troops will replace the British, they are to be used only. against external threats.
Certainly, Beijing recognizes its own stake in preserving Hong Kong’s free-market system. China is the largest outside investor in the territory, and it is keeping the Hong Kong dollar linked to the U.S. dollar. It is also encouraging that China has specifically acknowledged continued Hong Kong autonomy on a range of significant matters, such as membership in international organizations, the extension of treaties and passport controls.
Unfortunately, China’s disagreement with Hong Kong’s 1995 British-organized elections and its Bill of Rights has east uncertainty over the area’s future freedom. China has arranged the appointment of a provisional legislature to replace the current elected one and to serve until a new election is held. We believe creation of the provisional legislature was unjustified and, since it includes 10 members defeated in the 1995 elections, is at odds with the popular will. As a result, I will not participate in the swearing-in ceremony for the legislature when I visit Hong Kong. The United States will be watching closely to see if elections for a new legislature are conducted both freely and soon.
We are also concerned by China’s opposition to portions of the Bill of Rights and related ordinances. It is not possible to preserve Hong Kong’s “way of life” without preserving civil liberties. Nor will investor confidence continue if democracy is stifled. Hong Kong’s success is based on both economic and political openness. If the latter erodes, so will the region’s wealth.
China’s success in meeting its commitments will depend on the extent to which, after July 1, the freedoms of press, speech and religion are maintained; the highly respected civil service and judiciary remain independent, and the right to organize and express political views is respected.
Last April President Clinton and I met with Martin Lee, a democratic leader in Hong Kong, who urged America to stay engaged with China on Hong Kong and other issues. He also expressed alarm at the proposal, pending in Congress, to end normal U.S. trade relations with China, a move that would cost Hong Kong billions of dollars in revenues and tens of thousands of jobs. I share that concern, because America’s message of support for Hong Kong’s future will be weakened if a congressional vote undermines that future.
During my visit to Hong Kong, I will emphasize our expectation that China will fulfill both the letter and the spirit of the pledges made in the Joint Declaration. America will continue to protect its own interests and to support Hong Kong’s people long after July 1. China’s meeting its obligations toward Hong Kong will be a test of its willingness to participate responsibly in an international system based on law. This test has significant implications not only for Hong Kong but for China’s standing in the world and for prospects for improved U.S.-China relations.
Less than 200 years ago, Hong Kong was a sparsely populated granite island. Today it is a vibrant center of commerce. A 12th-century Chinese poet was right when he envisioned a Hong Kong ablaze “with a host of stars in the deep night and a multitude of ships passing to and fro within the harbor.”
On July 11 will be looking out over its glittering skyline as Hong Kong enters a new chapter in its history, sharing the hopes of millions who live in that city that Hong Kong’s future will be marked by both prosperity and freedom.
