TNAG-2608-FCO40-3799-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1992 — Page 5

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SEPARATE CONSIDERATION OF POLICY TOWARD HONG KONG WARRANTED

(Transcript: Solomon before SFRC Asia panel on 4/2) (6580)

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Washington "U.S. interests in Hong Kong have grown to the point separate consideration of this important relationship is warranted and prudent," according to Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Richard H. Solomon.

"Too often in the past the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship, if it was considered at all, was done So only within the context of U.S.-China policy," Solomon said in testimony before the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee April 2 to discuss the reversion of Hong Kong to China as it affects U.S. foreign policy.

Following is a transcript of Solomon's testimony:

SEN. PELL: The Committee on Foreign Relations will come to order. Senator Cranston is going to preside today, he is tied up in the Banking Committee but will be along shortly, and in his place I am very glad to

to open this hearing on the subject of Hong Kong's possible reversion to China

to China and the implications it means for American policy. We are going to review current conditions there and expectations for 1997 and afterwards.

Hong Kong has carved an important niche for itself in Asia, the world economy and I've been very

we've all been very much impressed with the groundswell for democratization that began in earnest with the massacre at Tiananmen Square.

I will turn at this point to the ranking Republican member, minority member, Senator McConnell.

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY) : Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your coming over and getting the hearing started for us. Senator Cranston was unavoidably detained somewhere else and I appreciate Mr. Chairman, your coming over and getting us started.

Today's hearing is timely and historic. Historic because to my knowledge it is the first time this subcommittee has ever considered U.S. policy toward Hong Kong as a separate and distinct issue.

Too often in the past the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship, if it was considered at all, was done SO only within the context of U.S.-China policy. U.S. interests in Hong Kong have grown to the point where separate consideration of this important relationship is warranted and prudent, and I appreciate Senator Cranston and the chairman making today's hearing possible.

Congress just finished debating and voting on a bill to extend, under certain conditions, most favored nation trade status to the

McConnel By