U.S. and Hong Kong (1999)

Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

Monday, June 28, 1999
12:05 P.M.

Briefer: James P. Rubin

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Q: Jamie, I'm sure you saw the stories about China and Hong Kong and the fact that the Chinese may be trying to assert their role on the folks in Hong Kong?

RUBIN: The interpretation by the National People's Congress was requested in May by the Hong Kong Government. We have refrained from commenting on the immediate question of which individual should or should not have the right to live in Hong Kong because that is an internal matter. We attach the highest priority, however, to the preservation of and respect for Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, its rule of law, judicial independence and the protection of individual liberties.

Seeking an interpretation from the National People's Congress is lawful, but we are concerned that the power of interpretation has the potential to erode the independent authority of the Hong Kong judiciary and that broader frequent review of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeals power of final jurisdiction could thereby erode the independent authority of the Hong Kong judiciary.

Q: Could I ask on another subject? Can you bring us up-to-date on the -

RUBIN: Let's stay over here - she'd like to stay over here.

Q: A number of human rights advocates, including Martin Lee and democracy advocates and legal experts, have suggested that this is really a blow to Hong Kong's independence. I wondered - it sounds to me like your interpretation is very, sort of carefully drawn. Do you see this as an assault on the independence of Hong Kong and the kinds of things that you were hoping that Beijing would not do?

RUBIN: I think for those who followed the Hong Kong story for some time, I think it's been by and large a success story. There's been the basic way in which the people of Hong Kong have lived has not changed -- both in political terms and economic terms. We do support a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. There have been issues that have occurred that we've expressed concern about. We certainly view this question ultimately as a question for the people of Hong Kong to decide as to how much damage has been done to their rule of law. But as I indicated, we are concerned that the power of interpretation has the potential to erode the independent authority of the Hong Kong judiciary.

Q: Potential - not a fact right now?

RUBIN: Beyond saying what I just said, that's our position.

Q: Somewhat on the subject of residency in China, I'm sure you've heard of this report out of Germany.

RUBIN: Yes.

Q: Well, it's - China is in the question.

RUBIN: Go ahead -- which report?

Q: About Milosevic -- (inaudible) - opposition --

RUBIN: Would go to China? I heard that a few times. Look, I'm sure we're going to hear a lot of rumors about all the places Milosevic will go. As far as we're concerned there's only one place he belongs, and that's in The Hague facing justice for the war crimes that he's been charged with.

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