Secretary Hu Yaobang who came as a Guest of Government in
June 1986. Since then as well as the State Visit to
China there has been a visit by Princess Margaret in
1987; and The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting
China from 1-6 November. The proposed visit would be an
occasion to continue this pattern of exchanges and to
nderline a the highest
bilateral
ziona
could be helpful in the context of Hong Kong and give a
boost to our flagging export performance in the Chinese
market. President Yang became President in 1988.
Although he is now 82, he seems in good health and has
maintained an active programme as Head of State.
Accepting a visit by President Yang would, however,
necessitate a reconsideration of our priorities for 1990.
The Foreign Secretary considers that it would be possible.
to postpone issuing a formal invitation to the Sultan of
Brunei; who has been a leading candidate for a visit in
1990. You will recall that Her Majesty had earlier
accepted in principle an invitation from the Sultan to
visit Brunei after this year's CHOGM. Although the
Sultan subsequently had to withdraw his invitation,
honour has been satisfied. There is, therefore, no
longer the same pressure for an inward visit.
Furthermore, in the light of the continuing uncertainty
over the Al-Fayed/House of Fraser affair, the Foreign
Secretary believes that it would be wise to wait until
2
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CONFIDENTIAL