The United States strongly supports continued democratic development in Hong Kong, according to U.S. Consul General Richard Boucher. This is why we are watching closely any steps that might restrict freedom of expression. Business comes here because contracts are fairly implemented.
Markets flourish efficiently because information flows freely.
We've just come through a very interesting couple of weeks on the world's stock markets, including Hong Kong's. I guess one of the lessons to be drawn from this experience is that you should never get too smug about understanding what's going on, because probably you really don't. The refuge for those of us who know we don't understand the present is to start talking about the long term. That's what I'd like to do today. I want to talk from the point of view of U.S. interests about Hong Kong, its future, and the ways in which Hong Kong plays an important international role.