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probably be inclined in principle to favour
Chinese accession.
-
In economic and GATT terms, there would probably
be more disadvantages than advantages; but it is
unlikely that many countries would regard these
considerations as of decisive importance provided
that China could be brought to accept terms which
reflected her state-trading status. Such terms
may be more difficult to secure if China seeks to
resume her former seat without negotiations; but
this is likely to be resisted (with legal
justification) by Contracting Parties.
•
- Chinese accession need not lead inevitably to
Soviet accession to the GATT, which would probably
destroy the GATT as we know it. But it would in
the long run make it more difficult to keep the
Russians out. This may encourage some developed
countries to think twice before letting China in.
If only for Hong Kong reasons, it would be
impossible for Britain to appear to oppose Chinese
accession even if we wanted to for economic
reasons, and there are correspondingly strong
political reasons for being seen to support it if
and when it arises. But we need to know a lot
more about the attitudes of EC partners and of
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