FUTURE OF HONG KONG
BACKGROUND
1. The Prime Minister visited China and Hong Kong in
September 1982.
2. During her visit to China, the first ever by a British
Prime Minister in office, one of the subjects discussed was
Hong Kong. The following statement was issued after a meeting
between Mrs Thatcher and Chairman Deng Xiaoping on 24 September:
"Today the leaders of both countries held far-reaching
talks in a friendly atmosphere on the future of Hong Kong.
Both leaders made clear their respective positions on this
subject.
They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic channels
following the visit with the common aim of maintaining
the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong."
3. Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's visit
through diplomatic channels began soon afterwards and are
continuing. On 1 July the following statement was issued in
Peking, London and Hong Kong:
"Following the discussions between the leaders of the two
countries in September 1982 and subsequent useful exchanges,
it has been agreed that a second phase of the talks on the
future of Hong Kong will begin in Peking on 12 July 1983."
/4.