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Secondly Hong Kong's own relations with China are close. In
total trade terms China is now our second largest trading partner, the largest source of our imports and the fourth largest destination for our domestic exports. Many of China's corporations and banks are active in Hong Kong and we have a close working relationship with the authorities of neighbouring Guangdong on a wide range of practical
matters. The newly formed Hong Kong Nuclear Investment Corporation will, with the support of the Hong Kong Govemment, be closely involved in the new Nuclear Power Station to be built by the Chinese in Guangdong Province close to Hong Kong. This is only one example of the contribution which Hong Kong seeks to make to China's nodemisation programe. It is part of the mutually beneficial economic relationship
much valued by both sides.
Thirdly, while both sides have important principles to which they attach great weight they are very conscious of the interest and concems of the people of Hong Kong and they have from the beginning stated their aim of maintaining its stability and prosperity, a phrase which some cynics may call hackneyed but which has real meaning for
all those involved in the talks in Peking.
When you add to all that a determination and strong commitment to finding a satisfactory settlement and to making a success of the talks, I trust that you will agree, that the factors I have set out for you today are sound ingredients for hope and confidence in the future of Hong Kong. They scarcely support the picture of Hong Kong
as a falling star.
J