U.S. and Hong Kong (2004)

U.S. Department of State

Press Statement
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 2, 2004

Release of 2004 Hong Kong Policy Act Report

The Hong Kong Policy Act Report is mandated by the 1992 U.S - Hong Kong Policy Act and its January 2002 Amendment, and it has been transmitted today to the Congress. This year's report covers the period from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004. This has been an eventful year for Hong Kong, including most prominently the peaceful July 1 protest of 500,000 Hong Kong residents in support of more effective, representative government and against new national security legislation. More recently, Hong Kong has seen a robust and at times deeply emotional public debate over the pace and scope of constitutional reform, including Beijing's decision to interpret the Basic Law's provisions relating to establishment of universal suffrage in Hong Kong. International confidence in the successful operation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is based on the central authorities' promise to allow the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government leeway to safeguard these rights and freedoms. We are seriously concerned that Beijing has decided to issue an interpretation of the Basic Law on this important issue before the Hong Kong people have fully aired the issues.

America's interest in Hong Kong derives in part from our considerable presence there: more than 50,000 American citizens live and work in Hong Kong, 1,100 American firms operate there, and we have more than $38.5 billion in investments in the city. Over the years, we have become Hong Kong's second largest trading partner. In our view Hong Kong's success, prosperity, and stability have rested and will continue to depend on the autonomy envisioned by Beijing nearly twenty years ago when it created the "one country, two systems" framework for integrating Hong Kong into China.

A fully autonomous and open society, governed by the rule of law, is essential to maintaining stability and prosperity in Hong Kong. The U.S. thus strongly supports the Hong Kong people's desire for democracy, electoral reform and universal suffrage in Hong Kong. It is important that the people of Hong Kong be permitted to determine the pace and scope of constitutional developments.

2004/366
[End]

Released on April 2, 2004