U.S. and Hong Kong (2003)

U.S. Department of State

Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 19, 2003

Meeting with Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang

On September 19, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell met with the Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang. The two discussed a broad range of issues, including U.S.-Hong Kong ties, economic and trade relations, and democratization.

Secretary Powell welcomed Hong Kong Chief Executive C.H. Tung's decision on September 5, 2003, to withdraw Article 23 national security legislation from consideration by the Hong Kong Legislative Council and to proceed with open and public consultations on this issue with the people of Hong Kong. The Secretary also reaffirmed that the U.S. strongly supports efforts in Hong Kong to move toward constitutional reform and universal suffrage, as envisioned by the Basic Law.

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