SING|BRITISH TALKS
):
BACKGROUND NOTE ON THE SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
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:
3.
"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".
Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's
visit began soon afterwards and are continuing. On 1 July the following statement was issued in Peking, London and Hong Kong:
4.
"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".
The eleventh round of the second phase of talks took place in Peking on 26/27 March. The following statement was issued there on 27 March.
"The Chinese and British sides continued their useful and
constructive talks on the Hong Kong question on 26 and 27 March in Peking. It was agreed that the twelfth round of talks would take place on 11 and 12 April
in Peking."