10
I don't know if that fully answers your question.
SEN.
MCCONNELL: I guess it does. Sort of uncharted turf
territory, correct?
MS. SELBY: stands, we
It would be. It's certainly true that we, as it Hong Kong's GATT status would not be changed merely by the change in sovereignty.
SEN. MCCONNELL: Right. The first two sections of the bill spell out in broad terms what many of us here believe should be the fundamental principles of our policy toward Hong Kong. I'm curious as to what are your thoughts on the first two sections of the bill.
MS. SELBY: These portions of the bill express Congress's opinion on many separate issues. We would generally support the principles expressed in this section, but would like to offer three suggestions that we hope would clarify the sentiments expressed.
First, these sections address so many discrete topics that they dilute the main point, which from what I understand is your perspective, and certainly from the administration's perspective is that the United States does support Hong Kong's retention of a high degree of autonomy.
Secondly, the sections may focus too narrowly on the joint declaration per se, because we're not a party to this agreement and because it doesn't necessarily address and clarify all the matters in which we have an interest. It might be wiser to state Our understandings and hopes and expectations more directly precisely rather than by reference to the joint declaration.
Thirdly, the draft does not state
SEN. MCCONNELL: May I ask you a question on that point?
MS. SELBY:
Mmm-hmm.
A m
and
SEN. MCCONNELL: I mean, clearly, the reason we crafted it in the way we did was frankly, to avoid offending the PRC. They signed the agreement. Presumably, they had meant what they signed. And so we were trying to reflect what they obviously were willing to agree to. And to the extent that you go beyond that, do you then enhance the opportunity for criticism that you're somehow meddling?
MS. SELEY: Well, let me see if I can answer that, and then if I say something that Assistant Secrery Solomon wants to comment on, perhaps he would.
It seems to me that we can fairly look at what the objectives and the intent of the joint declaration seems to be, and we can certainly express, as we have and as the bill does, our own views towards those ojectives. We also have certain objectives that we would pursue, I think, in any event, which is human rights that I was going to come to next.