PRIME MINISTER KAIFU EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG DURING
CHINA VISIT AUGUST 11th 1991
On the afternoon of August 11th, Japanese Prime Minister,
Toshiki Kaifu, delivered a major speech on "Japan
tions in a New World", as part of his visit to China.
China Rela-
He devoted a section of the address to Hong Kong, stressing
the desirability and importance of a stable and prosperous Hong
Kong continuing to exist in the future. Please find herewith, for
your information, a translation of this section of the speech.
Hong
I would like to make mention of the issue of Hong Kong, which is a matter of keen interest to Japan. Kong's return to China is fast approaching.
In the years
following 1997, it will be essential not only for China's modernization endeavors but also for the prosperity of the Asian-Pacific region for Hong Kong to continue to enjoy its current economic freedom and maintain its prosperi on the basis of the China-UK Joint Decla
Basic Law. To ensure such an outcome,
sion and the
China and the
United Kingdom must undertake proper prepar
tions and work
towards a smooth transfer. Japan strongly hopes for
further ed: res in this area by the governments of China
and the United Kingdom, In a related matter, Japan
thed between the governments of
welcomes the agreement = China and the United Kingdom regarding the construction of
a new airport in Hong Kong. Ha hope that Prima
Minister
she two
John Major's visit to China will acceleraz nations' efforts to enable the transfer preparations to
proceed smoothly,
Japan, for its part, intends to
strengthen its efforts appropriate for ensuring Hong
Kong's lasting prosperity.
"