TNAG-1882-FCO40-2673-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-Chinese-complaints-con-1989 — Page 48

Ukrep tel. 248

ameried

3

by

J

Peking

Foo 119

2022.

HKB 020

123

INTERNATIONALISATION OF THE HONG KONG QUESTION: PRESS LINE

ん

fm.

The prosperity of the future Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region depends to a large extent) on maintaining international

support for and confidence in Hong Kong during and beyond the period

of transition. The Joint Declaration itself makes clear that the

Special Administrative Region should remain an international

financial centre.

This support is vital for Hong Kong if it is 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 is widespread support in the international community for the Joint Declaration.

-That

That support is now as vital as ever. It is 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 mean they have a natural interest in Hong Kong's fare stability. That is quite different from any suggestion that third countries should have the right to intervene in Hong Kong's political situation.

We will, therefore, continue to take the opportunity to discuss and promote Hong Kong's future stability and prosperity with other Governments whenever appropriate. We hope that the Chinese Government will do the same. Far from "breaching the Joint Declaration", we seek only to maintain support for its effective implementation.

DUNACK