TNAG-2608-FCO40-3799-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1992 — Page 18

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system conforms to the evolving status of Hong Kong.

SEN. MCCONNELL: officials, have made the point that the bill does not go beyond the agreement that they signed?

I wondered if you, in discussions with PRC

MR. SOLOMON: I was not a party to a discussion that actually was held while I was out in the region, so that measure of detail I can't tell you. I can check to see whether that point was made or not and let you know.

SEN. MCCONNELL: Yeah because to me, I've been

I was aware of the lack of enthusiasm for the measure, but somewhat mystified by it, since it's carefully crafted not to go beyond the document that they signed on file with the UN.

did you get

While we're speaking of signatories to the JD, what -- any reaction from UK officials about the bill, any discussion with them?

MR. SOLOMON: Again, it was mentioned in passing, but not in great specificity.

SEN. MCCONNELL: And what did they say in passing?

MR. SOLOMON: I've already indicated that they feel their relations with the PRC are very delicate at this point and it's proving to be an issue they prefer to manage on their own.

SEN. MCCONNELL: It's my understanding that a U.S. government interagency delegaton went to Hong Kong last August. The purpose of that trip was to look at Hong Kong's

Hong Kong's export controls and determine how the territory should be treated regarding high-tech exports.

I understand that the delegation determined that Hong Kong has an export control policy that is comparable to that of COCOM countries, and that the U.S. has decided to grant Hong Kong, intra-COCOM trading status.

I understand that continuation of intra-COCOM's trading status for Hong Kong after 1997 is contingent upon Hong Kong's ability to maintain adequate control over the flow of sensitive technology into mainland China. My bill encourages such a policy.

My question is: In your opinion, what are the chances of Hong Kong being able to maintain its export control system after the 1997 reversion to Chinese control?

MR. SOLOMON: That's a tough question. All I could say is we're going to have to wait and see, that,

that, as you've pointed out, the delegation that went over there did conclude that effective controls are currently in place. It is in Hong Kong's interest and I would say it's in China's interest that the ability to for the or what will become the Special Autonomous Region will

territory

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