[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONG KONG TRANSITION TASK FORCE

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2000

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, following his visit to Hong Kong in April 
1997, Speaker Gingrich tasked this Member with the responsibility of 
creating the Speaker's Task Force on the Hong Kong Transition and of 
observing and reporting on Hong Kong's status following its return to 
the People's Republic of China. The Task Force is bipartisan in nature 
and all members of it have been drawn from the Subcommittee on Asia and 
the Pacific, of which this Member is the Chairman.
  On behalf of the Task Force, this Member would like to inform his 
colleagues that the eighth report of the Speaker's Task Force on the 
Hong Kong Transition has been filed. In summary, the Task Force 
continues to believe that the transition has progressed satisfactorily, 
although concerns remain in areas such as press self-censorship and 
controls, export controls and most notably, rule of law. The recent 
controversial remarks by Chinese officials warning against press 
coverage of issues regarding Taiwan and of business support for Taiwan 
independence have been a concern, as has the issue of judicial 
independence and the rule of law as a result of the ``right of abode'' 
case. These issues will need to be watched closely.
  Hong Kong's political system continues to evolve, although progress 
towards further democratization has not been as rapid as many would 
like. The Hong Kong press remains free and continues to comment 
critically on the People's Republic of China (PRC), although 
threatening remarks by PRC officials in reference to press coverage 
related to Taiwan is worrisome. Public demonstrations continue to be 
held. Indeed, there is a vigorous public debate on the issues of 
democracy and law. The legislature and free press have used their roles 
to increase government accountability and transparency.
  Mr. Speaker, a copy of the Task Force's eighth report is available on 
the internet website of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific: 
www.house.gov/international_relations/ap/ap.htm. It is also available 
in hard-copy from the Subcommittee office.

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