Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General James R. Keith

U.S. Consul General James R. Keith's Remarks to the Press Following Participation in Committee of 100's Greater China Conference

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong
January 13, 2005

Q: So what did you think about Mr. Tung's policy address yesterday?

CONSUL GENERAL KEITH: Well, really this is something that the Chief Executive is addressing to the people of Hong Kong, not so much to the international community, so I don't have any particular comment on any part of it. I think it's important that Hong Kong keep looking to the future. I'm encouraged by the very positive economic news that is coming out of Hong Kong these days. Also, I'm very hopeful that Hong Kong can translate some of that positive news into tangible achievements in the year ahead. I think it's going to be a good year for Hong Kong, and a good year for U.S., Hong Kong and Chinese relations.

Q: You did talk quite a bit about the relationship between Beijing and the Hong Kong people, and that Hong Kong people shouldn't do anything that would worry Beijing. Do you think Hong Kong people are doing things that are worrying Beijing?

CONSUL GENERAL KEITH: I am very much in favor of more representative government in Hong Kong, and therefore I think someone for whom the Hong Kong people have voted should represent them. In answer to your question, I can't speak for the Hong Kong people. I do think it's quite clear, on the basis of the September election and previous, that the Hong Kong people are in favor of advances towards more representative government in accordance with the Basic Law. I think that should happen. I am hopeful that it will. Certainly, the Chief Executive and others have spoken -- including the Chief Secretary -- have spoken to the issue of making, as the Basic Law puts it, gradual and orderly progress toward more representative government.

I think that is a good thing, not only because the Americans stand for that principle all around the world, but also because we believe that that's the best means of achieving success and prosperity in Hong Kong, which is something we devoutly wish for the Hong Kong people.

Q: Do you think Hong Kong's disapproval of a visa for Ma Ying-jeou has affected its China relations?

CONSUL GENERAL KEITH: I guess all I would say about that is that I'm sorry he is not here. I think this is a tremendous conference. I think it could do a lot to advance people-to-
people ties in Greater China. I very much support what the Committee of 100 is doing, and I wish he were here.

Q: What do you think of the policy address?

CONSUL GENERAL KEITH: The question was already asked. As I mentioned, the Chief Executive is speaking to the Hong Kong people, and that's not something for the international community to comment on. I simply said that I'm very pleased to see the positive economic news over the last year coming out of Hong Kong and look forward to building on that platform. I very much hope for the success of "One Country, Two Systems" and the success of the Hong Kong people. I'm confident that the government and the people can build on last year's success to make next year an even better year.

Obviously, we're all saddened by the events of the New Year in South Asia and Southeast Asia, but I have to tell you, much like the private response of America as well as the government response, the private response in Hong Kong is so admirable. Everybody in Hong Kong should be so proud of themselves for coming to the fore and contributing to the people who need so much help. I think looking back over my tenure here as Consul General, this reminds me of the period during SARS when Hong Kong society was tested, and I think it's important that the Hong Kong people have the breadth of vision to see the needs that are out there, not just in Hong Kong but in the region. I’m so impressed by the people of Hong Kong, and I know both the government and the people themselves are quite proud of the private contributions given to those victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

Thank you all very much.