(4, Conclusion)
located in the Asia-
Today I have said that Hong Kong, located in
Pacific Region and the South China area, is an area holding the key to the economic development of the Asia-Pacific Region, and I have spoken on the relationship between Hong Kong and Japan, which is expanding to encompass far more than just economic ties.
With Hong Kong preparing to
to return to China within six
years, it is already
is already taking steady steps towards a Hong Kong governed by Hong Kong people, a fact illustrated by the historic first direct elections held in September. I sincerely hope that Hong Kong's status remains unaltered following the return to China in 1997, within the framework of the One Country, TWO Systems concept assured under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law on Hong Kong.
In August, on the occasion of his visit to China, Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Toshiki Kaifu, said in his policy speech, and
I quote,
"I would like to make mention of the issue of Hong Kong, which is a matter of keen interest to Japan. Hong Kong's return to China is fast approaching. In the years following 1997, it
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