Chinese Record on Protocol Matters
While the Chinese record on protocol matters is not as bad as some of the worse offenders, eg the Soviet Union, they tend to be obtuse and can appear obstructive. We suspect in many cases, it is simple failure to understand our policy. For instance, privileges section have had numerous meetings and exchange regular notes over the intracacies of the Vienna Convention on the question of rating
relief. There was also prolonged argument 2 years ago about large communications aerials which the Chinese erected on their premises
and which contravened local planning regulations.
This was
eventually resolved satisfactorily, but only after protracted
negotiations.