HONG KONG
Background
International Support
1.
Singapore last July introduced a scheme whereby 25,000 blue
collar Hong Kong workers could qualify for Singapore residents
status but with the proviso that they could defer their departure
from Hong Kong for several years. Although the scheme may have had
another motive as a way of making up the shortfall owing to
Singapore's own brain drain, the system will also be a benefit to
key people in hong Kong. In fact some of the other countries we
have been lobbying are taking a similar line by offering resident
visas rather than nationality.
2. The Singaporeans are well aware that it is vitally important
that Hong Kong remain an economic influence in the region. The
government carefully monitor the situation in Hong Kong but they are
also aware that they cannot offend China over Hong Kong. They
therefore try to tread a fine line on this and would probably be
unwilling to go much further openly in their support for Hong Kong.
3. All in all Singapore assistance over support for Hong Kong is
very welcome.
Relations with China
4.
Since 4 June, relations with China have been difficult: the
Chinese have taken strong exception to each of the measures we
introduced to restore confidence ie the Nationality Package, the
Bill of Rights, PADS and the rallying of international support.
They have also criticised us for "tolerating" or "conniving at"
subversive activities in Hong Kong aimed at China.
TOYAET
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