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

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 18, 1997

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN PRESS AVAILABILITY

The Briefing Room

3:40 P.M. EDT

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

Q: Mr. President, could you tell us a little bit about your meeting today with Mr. Lee? And one of the concerns since the day that once Hong Kong is turned over to the Chinese, if there's any kind of erosion of liberties. Is there much the United States could do?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, let me say this: I think the United States has to make it clear that Hong Kong is important to us, the people of Hong Kong are important. The agreement made in 1984 by China and Great Britain which they sought the support of the United States on when President Reagan was here clearly commits China to not only the economic liberties, but also the political and civil liberties of the people of Hong Kong. And our policy is that the agreement was a good one when we said we supported it in 1984; it's a good one in 1997 and it ought to be honored.

Wolf.

Q: But, sir, do you -- are you prepared to do something if you thought the Chinese were not living up to the agreement?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, that's a hypothetical question. Let me say at this time, it's very important to us, we believe it's an important matter, and we expect that they will live up to their agreement. And it's our policy -- strong policy -- that they should.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

END

4:00 P.M. EDT