- 5
I
And the same is true of China.
Their economic interest
in Hong Kong's success is even larger than ours.
Quite apart from that, they have the overwhelming incentive of proving that Deng Xiaoping's insight, one country two systems, can be made a reality. The achievement of that reality is fundamental to deeply felt Chinese aspirations for national unity.
So however you look at it, Britain and China have the strongest interest in working for Hong Kong's success. This common interest has brought us together in a close partnership.
Hong Kong has been the catalyst of this relationship and its chief beneficiary. There is every reason for confidence that Hong Kong can in the years ahead retain and continue its key role in the fastest growing region of the world.
I have spoken today in an unashamedly upbeat way. That does not mean that I do not understand your fears and concerns. There are moments in the dark of the night when none of us can help asking "What if
No-one
on this earth, no society on this earth, can look forward with absolute confidence to the years ahead and say "Nothing can go wrong".
It is right and natural that you should constantly ask yourselves if everything is being done which can be done to secure your future. That you should question, examine and suggest. It is important too that the British Government should have a full understanding of your views. and concerns. That is why I am here.
I realise that now as in the past some people are choosing to move elsewhere to seek a new home, or even in some cases to seek a different nationality. A number are also returning to Hong Kong. I do not think we should be unduly alarmed about these movements. We should not be complacent either. In the end it is up to us all, not least the governments of Britain and China, by our words and actions, to convince people that Hong Kong will remain a good place to live in.
And what we can say is that the road ahead is charted and the signposts are in place. You have a clear framework; you have the unparalleled energy and ingenuity of your people; and you have the goodwill and support of Britain and China.