C
CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
The interest shown by the Chinese leadership in contributing to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong became keener than at any other time.
41.
The claim to Hong Kong's being Chinese territory, nevertheless, remained constant. The incorporation
of Hong Kong as an important economic factor in China's "modernisation" through the development of "socialist foreign trade" was seen as an element of the "united front" work involving Overseas Chinese. An article by the Minister for Foreign Trade, Li Qiang (Li Ch'iang), in Red Flag of October 1977 illustrates the relationship between the economic and the political facets of the Chinese attitude.
"Hong Kong and Macao are China's territory. Over 98 per cent of the inhabitants there are our compatriots. The question of Hong Kong and Macao is left over from history and will be settled in an appropriate way when conditions are ripe. Under the present circumstances, the export of supplies to Hong Kong and Macao is a special problem of China's foreign trade".
He goes on to explain the wider significance of the territory:
4.2.
"The political and economic conditions of Hong Kong are complex; the competition in the market place is extremely acute. We must consolidate and expand the patriotic, anti- hegemonic united front there, and unite with all patriotic compatriots in waging a struggle ågainst the imperialists, revisionists and
reactionaries.
We must correctly carry out
the policies and actively do a good job of supplying Hong Kong and Macao".
Soon after Li Qiang's article appeared, a group of Hong Kong businessmen returned from a visit to
/ Peking
CONFIDENTIAL
D 107991 400,000 7/76 904 953
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.