Hong Kong was assured yesterday that China's central government will not interfere with its commercial activities despite a warning by a Beijing official over trade with Taiwan.
Hong Kong's chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa (董建華), received the assurance after he approached the central government liaison office over remarks by the office's deputy director He Zhiming, the Hong Kong government said in a statement.
Hong Kong businessmen were alarmed by He's warning at a luncheon on Wednesday that those involved in trade with supporters of Taiwanese independence were "taking a risk."
He said they should observe state policy that "absolutely prohibited" trade with Taiwanese firms that "on the one hand openly support independence for the island," but "on the other hand take advantage of the economic activities on the motherland."
But while concern was strong in Hong Kong, He Zhiming's subsequently hollow warning raised few eyebrows across the strait in Taiwan, with one Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) official saying the move revealed Beijing's unwillingness to jeopardize greater Taiwan investment in China.
"I don't think the Beijing authorities will change their policies on Taiwanese companies" operating in China, the official said. "China welcomes our business ... they want the economic relationship to become closer and closer."
He Zhiming defended his remarks, claiming he was just repeating comments made in April by deputy director of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, Li Bingcai, who said Taiwan companies suspected of being pro-independent would not be welcome in China.
But according to the MAC official, while Li's statement may have sounded ominous, it has been followed by little action.
"Despite the reports about Beijing getting tough on pro-independence companies, we have been unable to find any real evidence they have changed their official policy," the MAC official said.
Indeed, the Acer Group, which is believed to have been placed on China's "black list" due to chairman Stan Shih's support of President Chen Shui-bian (
According to the Hong Kong government statement: "Hong Kong is a well established international financial and commercial center. Investors and businessmen operating in Hong Kong are free to choose their business partners. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will continue to firmly protect the principles of economic freedom and free trade. This is a pillar of our success and will not change." Chief secretary Anson Chan (陳方安生) told reporters: "It is inappropriate for any political consideration to affect business decisions."
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