TNAG-1882-FCO40-2673-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-Chinese-complaints-con-1989 — Page 41

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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HIC B

020 123

FCO PRESS CONFERENCE: TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 1989

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·News Rept aleted!

ROMANIA

for Remender

Spokesman drew attention to a statement issued by the Twelve in

Paris on 20 November.

HONG KONG

In response to questions concerning the Editorial in the People's Daily of 20 November, Spokesman said that the prosperity of the future of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region depended on maintaining international support for, and confidence in, Hong Kong during and beyond the period of transition. The Joint Declaration

itself made clear that the the Special Administrative Region should

remain an international (affair financial centre

This support was vital for Hong Kong if it was to maintain its status as a truly international and regional centre (for example, Hong Kong is the world's largest international container port, eleventh in the league of the world's trading economies, and has 136 overseas incorporated banks).

For these reasons both Britain and China vigorously promoted the Joint Declaration after it was signed, working to gain due international credit for this achievement in establishing the foundation of Hong Kong's future prosperity. This exercise was very successful: there was widespread support in the international community for the Joint Declaration.

In response to a further question, Spokesman said that support was now as vital as ever. It was important for Hong Kong's future and for present confidence that this support should not wane nor should it appear to be doing so. The economic interests of third countries in Hong Kong meant they had a natural interest in Hong Kong's future stability. That was quite different from any suggestion that third countries should have the right to intervene in Hong Kong's political situation.

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