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ready for cooperation with China both over Hong Kong and more
widely. There are areas where China has an incentive to work with us, for example in lobbying the Clinton Administration
over MFN status for China.
A meeting between me and the Chinese Foreign Minister,
Qian Qichen, might help at the right moment. The Chinese have
themselves talked of raising the issue to Foreign Minister or
Prime Minister level. Qian seems to have been given some increased responsibilities for Hong Kong following the Party Congress. I am at present planning to see him for the next of
our six-monthly meetings next March. But we could if
necessary look for an earlier opportunity, before legislation is put to LegCo.
I am copying this minute to OPD (K) colleagues, and to
Sir Robin Butler.
Secretary of State
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