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The following is a statement by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, on her meeting with Rep Chris Cox in Washington, DC on Tuesday, June 15 (Washington time):

I emphasise to Mr Cox that our control system is one of the world's best, that we are determined to keep it that way and we will maintain close cooperation with trading partners like the United States.

I said that if he has any evidence of diversion occurring in Hong Kong, we would be ready to investigate without fear or favour.

Mr Cox said that he believed Hong Kong has a sturdy control system, and he would not wish to undermine Hong Kong's autonomy.

His concern arose from the presence of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong. I told him that his report's reference to unmonitored PLA vehicle movement across the border was unfounded. The vehicles were checked and any suspicions would be thoroughly investigated. I also told him that the PLA in Hong Kong had behaved with exemplary discipline.

End/Wednesday, June 16, 1999

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