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Following is a statement made by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, on her visit to Beijing in September at the meeting of the Legislative Council today (October 18):
Madam President,
With your permission, I would like to take the opportunity of the first regular meeting of the new Legislative Council to make a statement on my visit to Beijing in September. It is admittedly an unusual arrangement for a Principal Official to make a public statement on a duty visit. I have decided to do so on an exceptional basis in order to remove speculations, and to maintain public confidence in the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement.
I visited Beijing on September 26 and had meetings with Vice Premier Qian Qichen and Director Liao Hui of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council. I returned to Hong Kong the following day. Like my previous duty visits to the Mainland, this visit to Beijing was arranged through the HKMAO. Once we had agreed on a mutually convenient date for the visit, the Government of the HKSAR issued a press release in Hong Kong to inform the public. As usual, after the meeting I met the Hong Kong media in Beijing and answered their questions.
Madam President, I believe we would all agree that meetings between Central and HKSAR officials offer the best opportunity for us to enhance mutual understanding. They allow us the opportunity to provide first-hand information on the latest developments in Hong Kong, and to reflect to them matters of topical interest in Hong Kong. The meeting with Vice Premier Qian on September 26 was no exception.
At our meeting, I briefed Vice Premier Qian on Hong Kong's latest economic situation, outcome of the Legislative Council elections, and the progress of Civil Service reforms and morale. I also took the initiative to explain to the Central authorities the rumour of "a rift within the top echelon of the Government".
Vice Premier Qian noted that Hong Kong had made a speedy recovery from the blow dealt by the Asian financial crisis. He was glad to know that our economy was performing well. He also expressed a keen interest in the operation of the Civil Service system and the morale of civil servants. He considered that, under the leadership of the Chief Executive, civil servants had successfully implemented the policies of "One Country, Two Systems" and "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" since reunification. He commended our performance and encouraged us to continue to support the Chief Executive in pursuing his policy objectives. He also reaffirmed the support of the Central authorities for the HKSAR Government.
At the meeting, Vice Premier Qian also asked about the progress made in promoting Hong Kong's bid to host the Asian Games in 2006. I briefed him on the work done by the HKSAR Government. Vice Premier Qian wished us the best of luck, and expressed his confidence in Hong Kong's ability to make a success of the Asian Games.
Madam President, I can assure Honourable Members that during the hour-long meeting, Vice Premier Qian showed that he was very interested and concerned about everything that happened in Hong Kong. As a State leader directly responsible for matters relating to Hong Kong and Macao, it was entirely appropriate for him to show such concern and interest. It also demonstrated the importance attached by the Central People's Government to the development of Hong Kong. Director Liao Hui of HKMAO was also present at the meeting. We had a candid exchange of views in a cordial atmosphere. Thereafter, in accordance with the usual practice, I had a separate meeting with Director Liao at HKMAO to exchange views over a number of issues of mutual concern.
As I have just explained, the arrangements for my September visit to Beijing were entirely normal, and the content of the discussions during the visit entirely proper and consistent with the principle of "One Country, Two Systems". I very much hope that the information I just provided will bring to an end all the speculation to which I have referred.
End/ Wednesday, October 18, 2000
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