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Let me explain. In Hong Kong, there are seven
thousand Australians, probably 100 times the total number of Australians in China. They are there for precisely the same purposes as China wishes to attract foreigners to China: investment, trade, banking, tourism, and business generally. As temporary residents, they have no standing in the political future of Hong Kong. But the point is not these Australians themselves but what they reflect in terms of an Australian interest in Hong Kong.
The interest obviously predates the interest I have been talking about in the context of China's Open Door policy. The interest is there in Hong Kong because it was possible to invest there and it was not possible to invest in the territory controlled by the Government of the People's Republic of China.
I am not suggesting that Australia has an improper interest in Hong Kong, or that it wishes to interfere in what it properly the preserve of the Chinese Government and the relevant British authorities in Hong Kong's political future. It does not and will not.
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But Australian investments in Hong Kong amount to the
Many of our equivalent of almost 200 million Renminbi.
largest banks and private companies have offices in Hong Kong. Australians are involved there in many industries, from construction to foodstuffs.
I wish to suggest that I think China ought to broaden the spectrum of its non-governmental consultations on this question. I am aware of the discussions which have been held with Hong Kong business people and others, and these are of critical importance. But I do believe that China must consult
Australian business with others on this important matter. interests in Hong Kong is one group which, in some ways, has a right to voice an opinion and which may well have something useful to contribute.
Just as Australia/...