HONG KONG

U.S. Bill Appears to Be Gaining Support: A U.S. bill that would formalize American policy on Hong Kong independent of U.S.-China policy appears to be gaining support in the British colony despite initial misgivings, the Wall Street Journal reported. The proposed U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act seeks to bolster the colony’s autonomy--and thus that of U.S. business interests--by according the colony as much diplomatic recognition as possible under provisions of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. In that accord, China agreed to give Hong Kong full autonomy in commerce, transportation and other non-defense matters for 50 years after regaining sovereignty over the colony in 1997. Among other things, the bill would provide for bilateral agreements and stronger economic ties in areas covered by full autonomy. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican who drafted the proposed legislation, has been consulting with government and private interests in Hong Kong. ‘What I’m trying to do is help see to it that this place remains what it has been--one of the most inspiring examples of commercial activity in the world,’ McConnell said.