23
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1993
I think Hong Kong's success matters, not only to
the United Kingdom today, not only to China in the future,
not only to the region, but also to the world, And it's
not very surprising, therefore, that people ask how they
can help us to remain successful.
Some Chinese critics of the 28th Government, and
they do exist, claim that when I try to address a question
like that, I'm, quote, internationalizing Hong Kong. I
think that's a pretty ridiculous charge.
Hong Kong is an
international community. Hong Kong is a tremendous
international asset, an international asset when Britain
is sovereign, an international asset when China is
sovereign, too. And I suspect that it is precisely
because of its international importance that China is
committed to continue its hugely successful system.
Of course, others recognize, as the President
has this week, that the implementation of the joint
declaration is a matter for Britain and China, not for
others. But others do take an interest in that
implementation being managed successfully. And it would
be absurd for them not to do so. The moment that the rest
of the world ceases to be interested in Hong Kong, it is
time for everyone in China, in Britain, and in Hong Kong
itself to start worrying.
/In showing