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Hong Kong-Chinese Relations
21.
Anglo-Chinese relations over Hong Kong, and relations between Hong
Kong and China are excellent. Hong Kong is an important source of
foreign exchange for China, and the Chinese Government have made it
plain that they share our interest in maintaining the stability and
prosperity of the territory. Chinese leaders have repeatedly in the last year reassured investors about the future of their investments in
Hong Kong, whatever decisions may be taken about the territory's poli-
tical future. In the meantime, economic cooperation between Chinese and
Hong Kong enterprises, on both sides of the border, is increasing.
ietnamese Refugees
22. Over 73,000 Vietnamese boat refugees arrived in Hong Kong during
1979. Only about one-third of that number have so far been resettled.
There remain over 55,000 refugees in camps in Hong Kong. The British
Government have agreed to take 10,000 of them: the first 3,000 of
these will have arrived by mid-February. The timing of the arrival of the remainder will depend on a number of factors, including how quickly
they can be resettled in this country, and the availability of the
necessary funds.
Proposal for New Airport
23. Reports have appeared recently in the British and Hong Kong press
hat the Chinese authorities have approved the construction of a new
airport near the Hong Kong border, to serve both Hong Kong and Canton.
As far as we are aware, there is no truth in these reports. Hong Kong's
present airport will reach the limits of its capacity by 1985. A
feasibility study for a replacement airport, to be built on reclaimed
land to the north of Lantau Island, is at present being carried out, and
will be considered by the Hong Kong Government later this year. The reports
of an airport on the Chinese side of the border appear to have originated
from a proposal by an independent group of architects and engineers. An
outline of their proposal was sent to Mr Blaker when he visited Hong Kong
He referred it to the Hong Kong Government for consideration.
last year.
/Such
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