Hong Kong.
degree to which the Joint Declaration is being implemented in
Much of the Joint Declaration is vague or open to
several interpretations.
Therefore, even ascertaining what the
standard of measurement is to be will be a conflict-laden and
very subjective undertaking. Congress could be laying the
foundation for endless debate with the Executive Branch, not to
mention the chinese and British, over these issues. If there are
to be reporting provisions (and I am not sure that is
desireable), such a report should evaluate developments in Hong
Kong along several specified dimensions of interest and concern
to Americans. After all, we are sost interested in the welfare
of Hong Kong, not andloga disputation about the meaning of the
Joint Declaration.
Second, having an annual report raises the issue of
"enforcement"--what is to be done if the behavior of either
Beijing (or Britain) is found to be wanting?
Practically
speaking, the only feasible levers (and these are of very
questionable efficacy) are in the economic realm. Yet,
application of economic sanctions almost assuredly will hurt Hong
Kong most, and disadvantage American business in the world's most
dynamic economic region. So, I fear that a "reporting
requirement" simply underscores Asarica's inability to do much;
what faw tools are available would hurt the very people about
whom we are concerned.
Third, the proposed legislation requires annual Executive
Branch review and reporting to Congress. Congress already has
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