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A more important factor is in the event that Russia launches a sudden
attack on China and besieges her important ports, Luda, Tianjin, Shanghai,
Ningbo, Fuzhou and Xiamen are all within the range of Russian nuclear
submarines' guided missles. Hong Kong is in no danger. It is under the
rule of Britain and Russia does not dare to touch it because to do so
will result in Britain declaring war on Russia. To Communist China,
there are numerous advantages in retaining the open policy under which
Hong Kong continues to be a colony, especially at a time when she is
concentrating her efforts against Russia. Peking needs an international
anti-hegemonist united front, no matter in political,diplomatic, economic
or military dealings. Hong Kong's strategic value is too great and this
forms its special political environment. The British are fully aware of
this fact. To put it in simple terms, Hong Kong is at present a doorway
behind the front line in the Sino-Russian confrontation and a stronghold
in the link with the West.
Communist China is in great need of a peaceful and stable international
environment to accomplish her four modernisations. She is therefore
actively trying to delay the outbreak of a world war and is collaborating
with America, Japan, West Germany, Britain and France to stop Russia's
expansion. Hong Kong is a link with the West and is able to provide the
advanced technology required by the four modernisations.
To fully utilise
Hong Kong's special position is of equal importance to Communist China and
the Western countries.
Chou En-lai's Directives on the Work on Hong Kong and Macau
In view of Hong Kong's strategic value in the Sino-Russian confrontation,
our reporter, having analysed in depth the situation in Southeast Asia,
joined a delegation to visit Peking, Tianjin and Xian. He came into
contact with cadres of different ranks working in various departments of
/the State
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