TNAG-0852-FCO40-1062-Visits-of-Royal-Navy-ships-to-Hong-Kong-and-China-1979 — Page 16

CONFIDENTIAL

5.

There has not been a Royal Navy visit to a Chinese

port since 1949. The Chinese have indicated informally that they regret this, and that they would strongly welcome a visit. However, no formal invitation for a visit has been issued with be overt a hit we materte car renters to

firm proposal.

6.

mset we

put forward

a

will be issued until

The Ministry of Defence are ready in principle to arrange for a visit by the Task Group to Shanghai in August 1980. But they first need an firm indication of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support, at Ministerial

level.

7

Mr Mallaby's submission of 27 July and Mr Bullard's minute of 31 July discussed the suggestion that Royal Nav ships visit a Soviet port in the second half of 1980. Mr Blaker did not support the suggestion.

ARGUMENT

8.

A Royal Navy visit would be a natural part of our

If such a visit is developing relationship with China. not arranged soon, the Chinese may take it as an indication of lack of interest in, and commitment to, developing our relations with them. They might compare our attitude unfavourably with the French, who arranged a visit by one naval ship to China last year.

9. A visit might also help to promote defence sales. The Chinese have expressed interest in a wide range of naval equipment particularly marine gas turbines, ship borne communications system, navigation equipment, certai naval missiles and destroyers. Ministers have agreed that British firms can explore, without commitment, Chinese interest in these items.

10.

all

It is possible that the Chinese might seek to exploit a naval visit for propaganda purposes, eg to suggest that it implies some form of informal alliance between China and the UK (and more broadly the West) against the Soviet Union. But careful briefing of the Press and of the senior officers involved should ensure that it is well understood (in Peking and in Moscow) that we view the visit as a natural part of our bilateral relations and not direct/against any third party.

natud

/11.

B

C