DRAFT LINE FOR NEWS DEPARTMENT
ON PM'S VISIT TO FAR EAST
DSR 11C
1. This is Mrs Thatcher's first visit to China as Prime
Minister; this will also be the first visit by any British
Prime Minister in office to the People's Republic of China.
Mrs Thatcher visited China, Japan and Hong Kong in 1977 as
Leader of the Opposition, and Tokyo in 1979 for the Economic
Summit.
I
2.
In Tokyo and Peking she will hold discussions on inter-
national political developments, with particular reference
to Asian questions and for example to relations with the
Soviet Union. She will also discuss bilateral questions
of immediate interest including trade relations and
opportunities for British business. In Japan there will be
a particularly strong economic content to her discussions,
covering such areas as industrial and technological
collaboration.
3.
Questions relating to Hong Kong will naturally figure
on the agenda in Peking, and Hong Kong's future is expected
to. be among those subjects discussed, following up previous
contacts with Chinese leaders.
/4.