TNAG-1145-FCO40-1425-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1982 — Page 82

#

CONFIDENTIAL

DSR 11C

*

Macau's relations with China

11. In line with the improved state of relations between

China and Hong Kong, Sino-Macau relations are good, and have

improved since the establishment of diplomatic relations

between China and Portugal in 1979.

12. Chinese influence over the Government of Macau reached

its height following Cultural Revolution-inspired riots in

1966 and the acceptance by the Governor of a series of

humiliating demands. Chinese domination of Macau has since

receded, largely as a result of a deliberate policy of

restraint on the Chinese side. But the Macau Government

takes care to consult Chinese unofficial representatives,

or sound them out indirectly, on important issues. China's

ability to influence events in Macau remains great. There

is no official Chinese representative in Macau, but contact

with Peking is maintained through intermediaries such as the millionaire He Xian (Ho Yin), who is a deputy (representing

Guangdong Province) to the Chinese National People's Congress;

and through the leading Chinese Communist Party member in

Macau, Ke Zhengping, whose overt role is Manager of the

Nankwang Trading Corporation.

The

13. In 1980, the Governor, General Egidio, went to China,

the first official visit by a Governor of Macau for some

considerable time. He was received by Deng Xiaoping.

Governor of Guangdong Province, Xi Zhongxun, visited Macau

in June 1980. And in 1981, the present Governor, Rear

Admiral Almeida e Costa, visited Canton and Zhuhai, the

special economic zone China is developing adjacent to Macau.

CONFIDENTIAL

/AS