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Chief Secretary: Of course other countries have not specifically taken the action that the United States Administration have taken. But that said, we have in fact been very encouraged by the degree of support that we have received from other countries - from all our trading partners, whether they are within the Commonwealth or outside, including European states and other states. They have not been hesitant in expressing first of all their interest and concern for what goes on in Hong Kong, particularly their concern that Hong Kong should retain its current lifestyle, its systems and its freedoms, after 1997. They have been particularly anxious to express to Chinese leaders their interest in Hong Kong because they have very substantial investments - many countries now increasingly, particularly against the background that we are now the eighth largest world trading entity. Of course more and more countries have substantial stakes in Hong Kong and even if they were not considering the interests of the Hong Kong people themselves, in their own interests they have a stake in ensuring that Hong Kong continues to prosper after 1997.

I think it is for countries themselves to decide what is the best way of anchoring that degree of interest, ensuring that they can continue to focus on what happens in Hong Kong after 1997. But I have no reason to believe, and indeed have every reason to believe the opposite, and that is that after 1997 our trading partners will continue to take an interest in what goes on here and will continue to express concerns to Chinese leaders if they see things going wrong in Hong Kong.

Mr Wilson Tuckey (Australia): Yes, but would you encourage other countries to take the action that the United States has taken?

Chief Secretary: There are, of course, many ways of taking action that can be equally reassuring to Hong Kong people. If countries wish to adopt the same action as the United States, then of course we will be delighted. But equally, if countries come to the conclusion that some other means might be a better way of expressing those concerns, then we would equally welcome those measures.

A delegate from Pakistan: Thank you Mr Chairman. I would like to know about one thing that Mrs Chan has stated in the treaty that she has made with Mainland China: After 50 years (from) 1997 your (inaudible) is a little bit silent. What will come out when 2047 - what will be the fate at that time for the future of Hong Kong?

President: By which time I will be dead. And probably you will be dead too.