JA2ANZ
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MCC 160/1
RECEIVED INu na
19 JUN 1986
File
1640
MR BENJAMIN'S VISIT TO, BRUSSELS/PARIS, 24/25 JUNE
GUANGDONG NUCLEAR: SAFETY
OPPOSITION IN HONG KONG
Points to Make: General
1.
There is growing concern in Hong Kong about the safety of Daya Bay, about China's ability to operate the station safely, and
about the
the consequences for Hong Kong of any nuclear accident. [If
pressed for details of concern: A public meeting in Hong Kong on 8 June was attended by 500 people; this was organised by a coalition
of environmental groups and academics, which claims to have
collected 10,000 signatures (out of a target of 500,000) for a
petition urging suspension of the project. Recent Hong Kong press
editorials on the project have mainly been unfavourable.]
2.
We believe this concern can be contained provided China is seen in Hong Kong both to be fully alert to safety considerations and to take all necessary steps to ensure safety at the plant; and
that no nuclear accident now occurs involving French equipment.
3.
Hong Kong's concerns were again raised with the Chinese in the course of the recent Chinese high level visit to the UK. We and
Hong Kong will nevertheless continue to stress China's public
commitments
safety at its nuclear installations, the acceptability of French design and operating standards of safety
and our commitment to the project.
to
For Additional use with French Officials
4.
You will be aware that Chairman of China's State Science and Technology Commission Song Jian recently told EC representatives in
Peking that since Chernobyl
since Chernobyl China's Nuclear Safety Administration
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