CONFIDENTIAL
167512 MDLOAN 3486
had led to a change of public attitude and shrinking of trade. Since December 1992 however Germany had resumed full economic cooperation and pursued a double-track policy - economic and political. The decision not to sell submarines to Taiwan had helped to produce a strong Taiwan lobby which had doubled its strength in Parliament to about 130. It brought together defenders of the defence/ship-building industries, pro-Taiwan enthusiasts and critics of China over human rights. This was not a very happy constellation, but the Chancellor and Foreign Minister were firm in resisting change to existing policy. Kohl would visit China on 14-22 November and cover a full agenda of international issues. We should not let China play off one country against another. Germany supported dialogue with China and encouragement of reforms. It raised human rights on all
occasions.
8. Blanchemaison (France) said that his country's policy had similar objectives to other partners but the whole relationship had been obscured by the contract to sell Mirages to Taiwan. had the impression that Chinese positions in general were hardening because of the succession battle.
HURD
He
YYYY
MAIN
SINGLE COPIES
FED
HKD
WED
NAD
SEAD
NPOD
SAVING
BTCO TAIPEI
13
2
DISTRIBUTION
15
HRPD
PS
PS/MR GOODLAD PS/PUS
SIR J COLES
MR HUM
MR MASEFIELD
PAGE 3 CONFIDENTIAL