TNAG-1158-FCO40-1438-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 37

}

B)

CHINA

CONFIDENTIAL

DSR 11C

Main Objectives (UK)

1.

To demonstrate Britain's willingness to develop

through exchanges at the top level an enduring and balanced

relationship with China. To show our confidence in China's

stability and our interest in long-term cooperation,

especially in Chinese economic development.

2.

To continue a dialogue with the Chinese leadership

on international issues. To explain our view particularly

of the Soviet threat and of North-South questions. To

persuade China of Western unity, realism and determination.

To encourage China to play a constructive role in

international organisations and debates.

3.

Against this background, to obtain further Chinese

understanding and cooperation over Hong Kong (this is the

dominant objective for the visit). To reaffirm our wish

to see a major Hong Kong contribution to China's economic

agreement on development. To seek to agree to the opening of discussions

on the future of the Territory after 1997. To contain

public expectations of progress on the issue so that

confidence in Hong Kong is not undermined.

4.

To take such limited opportunities as may arise to

further our commercial interests. To register with the

Chinese what we have to offer in terms of technology and

experience. To discuss possibilities for future commercial

cooperation, including the Guangdong nuclear project.

Likely Chinese Objectives

1.

To discourage any weakening of British resolve to

/resist