U.S. and Hong Kong (2004)

U.S. Department of State

Interview by Matt Lee and Christophe de Roquefeuil of Agence France Presse

Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, D.C.
May 7, 2004

(9:20 a.m. EDT)

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

MR. LEE: Okay. And my last two both have to do with China, and that is China and the relationship with Hong Kong, China and the relationship with Taiwan. Both -- there have been troubles on both these accounts. What is your take on it and would you like to see Beijing adopting a less tougher -- a less tough line with both of them?

SECRETARY POWELL: Well, with respect to Taiwan, our position is clear and has been clear for 30 years. We subscribe fully to our "One China" policy, which rests on the three communiqués, our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act to make sure that Taiwan has what it needs to defend itself.

The President has also made it clear that we do not support independence for Taiwan. It would be not consistent with our "One China" policy.

We have encouraged both sides to be careful of their rhetoric and be careful of any unilateral actions that might increase the level of tension in the region.

With respect to Hong Kong, it's in a different status than Taiwan is. And we have expressed to the Chinese some of our concerns with respect to the manner in which they are suppressing some of the democratic expressions that come out of Hong Kong. And we stay in close touch with the Chinese authorities, as well as the authorities in Hong Kong.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

[End]

Released on May 7, 2004