ARTICLE FOR THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
WHY JOHN MAJOR IS GOING TO CHINA
The visit which the Prime Minister and I are about to
pay to Peking and Hong Kong is taking place while dramatic and momentous changes are occurring in the Soviet Union.
As a result the timing of this visit has attracted criticism in
some quarters. But there is no logic behind that criticism. The purpose of this visit, which was of course planned some time ago, remains just as valid now as it was before. You cannot conduct serious business sensibly if you allow it to be thrown off track by outside events which have no connection with the matter in hand. Furthermore, it is arguable that precisely because the world is facing rapid and radical changes it would be quite the wrong moment to try to isolate China.
So I make no apology for this visit. Its essential purpose is to work for the good of Hong Kong, for which Britain has a direct responsibility. And in order to carry out that responsibility effectively we need, as I explained at the time of my last visit in April, to talk to the Chinese, and to discuss with them the future arrangements for Hong Kong. The people of Hong Kong appreciate and understand what we are doing. Others, more concerned perhaps with striking moral attitudes than with the welfare of the six million people of Hong Kong, have shown less understanding.
During this visit to China the Prime Minister will sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the new airport for Hong Kong, an understanding which was reached after months of difficult negotiation. We think it is a good agreement,
PJMAWL/1