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SECRETARY OF STATE'S INTERVIEW FOR "TODAY"
ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS
1. Over the past two years China has opened up much more than anyone had expected. What opportunities does this offer Britain? It offers important opportunities to all Western countries in the
Britain should be political, commercial and cultural fields. particularly well placed to make the most of these, because English is China's second language. It offers us the opportunity to influence Chinese political thinking. There are obvious differences between us, rooted in history and our political traditions. But wherever possible we want to work with the Chinese on international issues of concern to us both particularly on international security and in the Third World; I am confident that we can increasingly do this. I see major commercial opportunities, particularly in the medium and long term, for British firms prepared to take the time and trouble required to get into the China market. Cultural and other exchanges will enable us to show China something of British life and the values to which we attach importance. For example, there could be anything up to 350 Chinese students here for 197 9/80 (as opposed to about 100 in 1978/9). As long as they live, each of them will be able to speak and read English, and be influenced by what he has seen of our life and society. I hope too that we can learn from China. 2. Are Britain's foreign policy interests parallel with those of the Chinese Government? Is it possible to have good relations with China and the Soviet Union? We in Britain have a broad
The Chinese Government interest in peace and stability in the world. share that interest. They have committed themselves firmly to an ambitious economic modernisation programme, and they know that they cannot achieve this without stability on and outside their
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