TNAG-2608-FCO40-3799-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1992 — Page 6

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People's Republic of China. Obviously for two years in a row that has been a bitter and divisive debate. However, regardless of where one might stand on U.S. policy toward China, two points become apparent in the MFN debate.

First, U.S. interests in Hong Kong have grown significantly and second, the U.S. needs a Hong Kong policy that reflects those increased interests. I have introduced legislation, the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act, which is the subject of this hearing today, which I believe will begin the process of establishing such a policy. This bill will lay out for the first time a comprehensive, coherent framework for formalizing our relationship with Hong Kong. The Act, which is based on the joint declaration, addresses U.S. policy toward Hong Kong in five areas, bilateral ties, Hong Kong participation in

multilateral organizations,

transportation, and culture and education.

commerce,

These are areas which under the joint declaration China granted Hong Kong authority to operate independently. The U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act encourages the administration, the Congress and the private sector groups to begin to deepen existing relations and seek new relations with Hong Kong in these five areas. The act also ensures that Hong Kong's status in U.S. law will not be changed solely as a result of reversion to Chinese sovereignty, and the bill requires the administration to report to Congress on a regular basis regarding the status of the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship.

The U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act has been cosponsored by 20 Senators including Chairman Pell, Senator Helms, the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee and others. It also has been endorsed by a broad coalition of business organizations, editorial boards, human rights groups, cultural and educational exchange associations and policy think tanks. The underlying premise of the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act is that the more extensive and established U.S.-Hong Kong ties are before 1997, the more likely they will be maintained after 1997.

A transparent legal framework will assure both sides that ties will not be confused nor affected by the change of sovereignty. The more the United States recognizes and respects the autonomy of Hong Kong while it remains under British rule, the less China will see such policies as an affront to PRC sovereignty after 1997.

Finally, establishment of a clear policy will boost confidence in Hong Kong and stem emigration. It will show that the United States, the leader of the international community, is willing to support Hong Kong now and after 1997.

I'm pleased that the administration is committed to working with us in this process.

An initiative that is supported by both the Congress and the administration will clearly be the most effective initiative.

I appreciate very much Secretary Solomon taking time to be here