XN000022-1993-05-04 — Page 37

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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