CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: THE INTERNATIONALISATION ISSUE
1. This paper looks at what lies behind the term "internationalisation" of the Hong Kong issue from the Chinese
and from our own perspective and considers options for bringing
more international pressure to bear in support of our policy on
Hong Kong.
2.
Conclusions
-
The most effective forms of pressure on the Chinese to
change their behaviour towards Hong Kong are those which bear on
China's economic interests and international standing. There is
some recent evidence that these considerations are inhibiting the
Chinese leadership from pursuing an even tougher line on Hong
Kong.
The US are best placed to apply this sort of pressure especially on MFN and GATT reaccession. Working to bring US
influence to bear on China, though tricky (MFN is a double edged
sword), is the most effective tool we have.
Other partners either lack decisive leverage with China
or willingness to use it forcefully. But some (eg Canada,
Australia, some EC countries) have significant economic
interests in Hong Kong which give them both an incentive and a
locus for quiet intervention with the Chinese.
- We should therefore continue to brief our partners on
developments in Hong Kong, and encourage them to raise quietly
our shared concerns with the Chinese as the opportunity arises.
References to Hong Kong in communiques from international
meetings (G7, European Councils, CHOGM) are a means of showing international concern. But they would infuriate the Chinese and be most unlikely to influence their policy for the better. An
option to be considered only if relations deteriorate seriously.
internat.NAT
JEB
CONFIDENTIAL