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CHINA: A SNAPSHOT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS
1. Our principal objectives in relations with China are to ensure smooth transfer of power over Hong Kong in 1997 and to foster
Our immediate aims are greater Chinese interdependence with West.
to increase our exports and to involve China in exchanges in political, technical and cultural fields. Since signing of the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong in 1984 we have made rapid progress.
2. Nine other bilateral agreements were signed since the beginning of 1984, including the Development Loan Agreement (May 1986) and the
Claims Agreement (June 1987).
3. Visits in both directions have grown in number and importance. The State Visit (October 1986) was extremely successful, as was Princess Margaret's visit (May 1987). Since 1984 14 Ministers have visited China, including the Prime Minister, Sir G Howe (three
15 inward Chinese times), Lord Young (three times), and Mr Ridley. Ministerial visits nave included Premier Zhao Ziyang and the then Generai Secretary Hu Yaopang. The many visits to China by MPs include ex-Prime Ministers and leading backbenchers. Military Co-operation nas involved regular visits by senior officers, including Chief of the General Staff. There have also been or will shortly be visits covering legal, police, labour, energy, space, agricultural and health fields.
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