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THE MCCONNELL BILL REGULATING US RELATIONS WITH HONG KONG AFTER 1997
22/6
HKD121/2
Summary
1.
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4.
Senator McConell's reasons for introducing the Bill.
Chinese Government concerns.
Our concerns. The US Administration supports the Bill. The revised Bill is still unacceptable in many respects.
Progress of the Bill in Congress.
Background
1. The Bill was initiated by Senator McConnell, a Republican. Senator McConnell has said that the US needs a comprehensive policy for dealing with Hong Kong. His reasons are as follows. Hong Kong is the US's 13th largest trading partner. Since 1986 US exports to Hong Kong have nearly doubled. On a per capita basis, Hong Kong imports three times as much from the US as does Japan. After 1997 Hong Kong will probably be the only place in China with any democratic freedoms. The Hong Kong people need reassurance that the US is not indifferent or uninterested in their future. Title I of his US-Hong Kong Policy Bill addresses US policy towards Hong Kong in five areas: bilateral ties, Hong Kong participation in multilateral organisations, commerce, transportation, culture and education. Title II is about the status of Hong Kong in United States law. Title III is about reporting provisions.
2. The Chinese Government consider this Bill to be an unwarranted interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs. Their concern is in part motivated by their belief (probably well founded) that Martin Lee, UDHK, was instrumental in its genesis. The Chinese consider this to be an example of the UK's conniving at the internationalising of Hong Kong. They wish HMG to condemn it openly and seek to prevent its adoption.
3. HMG has been monitoring the progress of the Bill and the HKG has made detailed comments on it. We have let the US Administration and members of Congress know of our concerns. The US Administration have supported the Bill throughout and have suggested some amendments
POLACA