TNAG-1160-FCO40-1440-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 110

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER TO THE CHINA DAILY SUPPLEMENT

I am delighted to have this opportunity to send greetings

to the readers of the China Daily as I begin my visit to China.

My visit is the first by a British Prime Minister in office to

China, It is a symbol of the increasing links between our two

countries. Co-operation in academic, scientific and educational

work is increasing. The number of student exchanges between

Britain and China has never been greater. We have a useful

commercial relationship on which we must now build. We have much

to offer each other from our long artistic and literary traditions.

I know I shall see many changes in China since my visit in

1977. I know, for example, that there has been a very large

increase in the number of Chinese both young and old studying English.

This can only increase the understanding between our countries and

I am glad that we in Britain can help with China's efforts in this

field. The assistance which the Thomson Organisation gives the

China Daily is an example of this new close working relationship.

Britain and China hold similar positions on many international

issues. We both see the dangers to the world from aggression and

expansionism. By working together we can make an important contribu-

tion to world peace. We have made great progress but this is only a

beginning. I hope that my visit will help to bring our two countries

closer together.