TNAG-1257-FCO40-1590-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 19

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VISIT TO CHINA OF SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER (28 OCTOBER to 1 NOVEMBER)

1. The Spanish Foreign Minister, Fernando Lopez Moran visited China from 28 October to 1 November. During his visit, Moran had talks with his Chinese counterpart Wu Xueqian, Vice Premier Wan Li and Deng Xiaoping. He also made a one-day visit to Xian. During his visit Moran also signed an agreement for cultural scientific and technical exchange for 1983 to 1985.

2. Most of Moran's discussion with Wu Xueqian related to Western Europe. Wu spoke of China's belief in the need for a strong Western Europe, able to resist the Soviet Union but not dependent upon the United States. In this context Wu expressed support for the objectives of the Western Euorpean peace movements. Wu agreed that Spain should enter the EC as soon as possible and undertook to press the Spanish case with other Western European countries. In return Wu sought Spain's help in developing China's relations with Latin American countries. Gibraltar and Hong Kong were discussed at length: on Hong Kong, Moran is reported to have agreed with the Chinese constitution that sovereignty could not be negotiated. He also said that Gibraltar was similar to Hong Kong as regards the restoration of sovereignty.

3. Moran extended an invitation to Premier Li Xiannian to visit Spain next year and the Chinese reciprocated with an invitation to Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez. No precise dates were fixed.

Comment

4.

Although in itself it achieved little, this visit can be seen as part of a continuous Chinese policy of developing relations with Western European countries. The concept of a strong Western Europe free of dominance by either superpower, is one that the Chinese are finding more and more attractive, hence their support for the peace movement which is seen as a means of diminishing American influence.

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