}
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had been arranged for the period of the Canton Trade Fair, and
would be operated at a loss, in order to promote friendship and understanding. The Chinese ind appointed a very senior man to head the NCNA office in Hong Kong. The Governor's
attendance at the Chinese National Day celebrations had also
been significant. Song added that the Chinese Government was
considering how to set about improving relations even more.
over in
51. On 14 December 1978 Id Qiang (Li Ch'iang) stopped
Hong Kong on his way home from a visit to the Philippines.
His stay in Hong Kong until 21 December provided for a number
of unprecedented meetings and addresses for a Chinese official
of ministerial rank. His call on the Governor on 19
December was the first ever by a Minister of the Chinese People's Government. He also became the first Chinese
Minister to hold a press conference in Hon g
Hong Kong.
Over 100 journalists attended. Li also held talks with
local business and industrial leaders. In all of these
meetings Li stressed the importance of the role Hong Kong could play in China's current modernisation programme. As 2
centre of communication, an entrepot and a source of expertise
on business and industry, the prosperity and well-being of
Hong Kong were decisive factors in Chinese attitudes towards
Hong Kong.
52. Two major developments in the sphere of Chinese
bilateral relations had important implications for
Chinese attitudes towards Hong Kong. The first was the
announcement on 14 December that China and the United States
had agreed to establish full diplomatic relations as from
1 January 1979. The Chinese Government seemed concerned
to re as sure tiong Kong that although the recovery of Taiwan by China was now taken a step nearer, this should not be allowed to unsettle the status quo in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, it was repeated that Hong Kong would be regarded as a proper forum for the conduct of united front work. At a
press conference on 16 December and in answer to a question on Chinese attitudes towards Taiwan after normalisation, Chairman Hua Guofeng (ilua Kuo-feng) seid:
"It has been our consistent policy at all patriots belong to one big family whether they come forward early or late. We hope that our compatriots in Taiwan will join
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