Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General James R. Keith

Remarks by U.S. Consul General James R. Keith at Independence Day Reception
Grand Hyatt Hotel Ballroom

Hong Kong
July 3, 2003

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Independence Day Reception, Grand Hyatt Hotel Ballroom, Hong Kong (7/3/2003)

Financial Secretary Leung, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the 227^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. This is a very special day for Americans, wherever they might reside, because July 4^th celebrates the ratification, by what was known at the time as the Continental Congress, of the Declaration of Independence. We revere this document as a bold declaration of the intent of the American colonies to become independent.

Today, the Declaration of Independence is one of the most well known political proclamations in the world. The core of its influence and appeal lies in the ideals that this document conveys: that everyone has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These ideals have stood the test of time, despite the consuming changes of the past two centuries. The United States remains the kind of country our Founding Fathers envisioned: a democratic republic whose political power flows from its citizens. This is an ideal that people around the world increasingly aspire to, and, in a world characterized by narrowing of cultural, political, and economic gaps, it is an ideal that is increasingly realized.

This is my first Independence Day celebration as Consul General in Hong Kong. I represent a large American community: As many as 50,000 Americans call Hong Kong their home, and over 1,100 American companies have offices here. Approximately 75,000 Americans visit Hong Kong each year. Fifteen thousand Hong Kong students study at American universities each year, and there are nearly a hundred thousand alumni of those American universities here in Hong Kong, including many of you here this evening. The bonds formed through these experiences are a tremendous resource for U.S.-Hong Kong relations.

We welcome your friendship, your common cause with us in the fight against terrorism, and the close cooperation we have in so many other areas that bind our people to work together for mutual benefit. As we gather for this national day reception, and pause to remember the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, it is appropriate to remind ourselves that what keeps the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship so strong and productive is our common values and principles. Both of our societies are built upon an abiding respect for civil liberties, human rights, the rule of law, free-market economics, and transparency in government. These values and principles remain as valid today as they did 227 years ago when my country’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

Hong Kong has had a tough year, which has been a catalyst for American and Hong Kong citizens to grow closer in many ways. You have looked deeply into yourselves to find the courage and resolve to overcome many tests over the past year. There are no doubt many more tests to come as the world faces serious challenges to peace, prosperity, and stability. We look forward to working side-by-side with Hong Kong to defeat these threats to our way of life. And while it is fitting that we celebrate the special occasion of the anniversary of our independence, we do so somberly, too, with a special place reserved in our hearts for those selfless health care workers in Hong Kong who gave their lives for the sake of others in Hong Kong and throughout the world in the fight against SARS.

But for now, let us cast our eyes toward the future. It is my honor to propose a toast: To the people of the United States of America, the people of the People’s Republic of China, the people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and to close, mutually productive, and constantly expanding ties between the United States and Hong Kong.

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