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and other relations that U.S. citizens and companies currently maintain with Hong Kong and its people are possible because for most purposes, Hong Kong today is treated under U.S. law as part of the United Kingdom. Hong Kong is subject to none of the U.S. domestic legal restraints that limit our commercial, cultural, and other relations with the PRC. Statutes now in force set forth mandatory rules that apply to China by name, or to states, countries, or similar entities, similar terms. These statutes, which include the Jackson-Vanik provisions and the current China sanctions legislation, could require the imposition on Hong Kong of restrictions and disabilities that would be inconsistent with our desire to respect Hong Kong's promised economic autonomy from the PRC.
On the question of reports, we recognize Congress' legitimate interest in developments in Hong Kong as the transition progresses. Indeed, it's our intention to closely monitor all aspects of the transition process. However, we believe that any report would best focus on U.S. interests in Hong Kong and changes which result from the reversion to Chinese sovereignty that may affect U.S. interests, as opposed to a reporting process more narrowly focused on the joint declaration alone.
S-1731, your proposed legislation, embodies many of the goals and concepts which we share with Congress and provides an excellent basis on which to develop a bill the administration can support. We hope, Senator, to have the chance to work with you and your staff to address the administration's particular concerns in S-1731 and to create a bill that achieves the goals which Congress and the administration share.
Well, thank you for this chance to present an abbreviated bit of my testimony. And now I'll be glad to answer your questions as best I can along with my legal counsel, Jamie (sp) Selby, who I'll ask to come to the table now. Thank you.
SEN. MCCONNELL: Thank you, Secretary Solomon. I appreciated your comments. I noted that upon your departure from Hong Kong last month and again today you stated that Hong Kong's reversion to China in 1997 is largely a
largely a bilateral issue between the UK and China. However, you also said that U.S. interests in Hong Kong warrant our close attention to the process. You stated that the U.S. should take steps to help maintain confidence and prosperity in Hong Kong and to assist in a fully successful transition.
In short, it appears the administration favors a policy of respecting and supporting Hong Kong's continued autonomy after reversion to the PRC. Obviously, as you know, many of my colleagues and myself couldn't agree with you more. In fact, that's in large measure what the U.S.-Hong Kong policy act attempts to do.
My question is do you think that new legislation is necessary to enable the U.S. to carry out this policy?
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.