U.S. and Hong Kong (1985-1997)

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright - Interview on CBS-TV "Face the Nation", Hong Kong (6/29/1997)

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright
Interview on CBS-TV "Face the Nation"
Hong Kong, June 29, 1997
As released by the Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Department of State

MR. BOB SCHIEFFER: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is among many diplomats who've flown in for the ceremony. It is her first visit to Hong Kong. Our first question to her was about the Chinese decision to move in troops just hours after the ceremony.

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: First of all, what happened here, Bob, was, that an agreement was made that the way of life of Hong Kong would be preserved and that the autonomy of Hong Kong would be preserved. It is very important for the Chinese to reassure the people of Hong Kong that that way of life will be preserved.

As far as the troops are concerned, it's not so much what is permitted but what kind of a signal it sends. I have to say that I personally think it's not the best first signal.

MR. SCHIEFFER: As I understand it, they're saying it just signifies sovereignty. Other people say it may signify something else.

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: From their perspective, it does signify sovereignty. As I said, the agreement does permit it. But I think they have to be careful about not sending mixed messages as far as preserving the way of life of Hong Kong.

We are going to be watching very carefully to make sure that that agreement that was signed between the British and the Chinese, it does preserve the way of life -- the civil liberties, the political liberties of the people of Hong Kong; that those agreements are carried out.

MR. SCHIEFFER: We keep hearing about one country and two systems. What happens, though, if we do begin to see a crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong? What would the United States do?

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: We are obviously very concerned about the people of Hong Kong. We have spoken out on their behalf, talking about the importance of their having the political liberties that they need. We have also great economic interests here. There are 40,000 Americans. We have $14 billion worth of investment; $24 billion in two-way trade here. The area is also very important to us in terms of the financial aspects, generally, of Hong Kong, and its strategic importance. So we're going to be watching this very carefully.

It would affect our relationship with the Chinese if they don't live up to their agreements.

MR. SCHIEFFER: In the past, of course, the United States has dealt with Hong Kong and it has dealt with China, but we've always dealt with them separately. Now, it's all one entity. How do you deal with it now?

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: First of all, obviously, the Chinese have taken over major responsibility for the life that goes on here and the relationship, but there are the authorities here that will be responsible for carrying out a whole set of governmental issues as far as Hong Kong is concerned. We have a Consul General here who will be dealing with the day-to-day work and life in Hong Kong, and we will be dealing with the Chinese on the overall relationship.

MR. SCHIEFFER: So the Consul General will be the point man for Hong Kong. How does this fit into the overall thing? Does he report to the Ambassador? Does he report to you? How does that work?

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: He will be a Chief of Mission. We have just made him that. He will have a relationship, obviously, with our Ambassador in Beijing, but he will report to me.

MR. SCHIEFFER: So what happens, he's the point man for Hong Kong?

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Absolutely. He is the working person. There are an incredible number of ship visits; I think about 65, on average, a month that come in here. There is obviously the whole issue of how the financial network continues to work. There will be people coming here. There are lots of visas that are issued. We specifically wanted to make sure that the Consul General could, in fact, continue. That was part of our agreement with the Chinese. So that is the day-to-day working relationship. It's very important.

MR. SCHIEFFER: What are your feelings at this time? This is an historic occasion. There's no question about that. Are you wistful? Are you happy? How do you --

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: I hate to admit this, but I haven't been to Hong Kong before. So having flown in here, and all the things that one ever hears about it, it truly is an amazing place. I think that what is so important is that the magic of Hong Kong be preserved; first of all, because it is important to the people of Hong Kong and important to the United States, and is and will be important to China because I think it will find that magic is something that is important to the industrial development of China itself.

What we believe is that the Chinese will understand that this is the goose that laid the golden egg and that they will, in fact, do what needs to be done to preserve the way of life of Hong Kong -- that magic spirit.

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