CONFIDENTIAL
II NON HONG KONG ISSUES
POINTS TO MAKE
1. Visit also demonstrated growing strength and depth of our wider bilateral relations and gave encouraging view of commercial prospects. Useful discussion on bilateral and international issues with Chinese Foreign Minister, in addition to discussions over Hong Kong.
2.
Chinese Foreign Minister briefed me on China's economic policy. Emphasised "open door" for trade and investment; hoped more British firms would enter into joint projects. I expressed HMG's confidence in GEC's bid for the Guangdong nuclear project; agreed on the need for an early conclusion to negotiations. Chinese Foreign Minister assured me that UK/France package had already been chosen (possibility remains of a US bid, following initialling of Sino-US
nuclear agreement during Reagan's visit).
Way
3. Pleased to be able to sign Consular Agreement. now open to establish Consulate-General in Shanghai
(Chinese to open in Manchester). Our interest mainly commercial. Wish to open with minimum delay. But shortage of premises in Shanghai. Foreign Minister assured me his Ministry would now treat search for accommodation as matter of urgency.
Hope that
4. Chinese Foreign Minister also told me that list of private and public claims presented to the Foreign Ministry late last year was being actively studied. substantive negotiations can soon begin. Likely that Chinese will also present counter-claims against the
British Government.
5.
4
Growing Chinese interest in EC. I briefed Foreign Minister or: UK views, including Community budget.
16.
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