TNAG-2168-FCO40-3105-House-of-Commons-Foreign-Affairs-Committee-inquiry-into-Hong-1990 — Page 232

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the Chinese Government to the problem of Vietnamese boat people

(paragraph 5.8). The Government have continued to press the Chinese

authorities to step up their efforts to prevent asylum seekes

transitting China en route to Hong Kong both overland and along the

South China coast. The latest evidence suggests that 90% of new

arrivals now make most of the journey overland. Information on the

routes used is being passed to the Chinese authorities on a regular

basis.

37.

The Government recognise that the Vietnamese boat people problem has for many years imposed a heavy social and financial burden on Hong Kong. Since the beginning of 1989 the Government

have pledged or contributed nearly £37 million towards the boat

people problem, either in support of UNHCR operations in Hong Kong

or direct to the Hong Kong Government for emergency accommodation.

CATAAU (16)

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