SECRET
THE PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA
8.
Against this background the Government decided that the Prime
Minister's visit to China in September 1982 would provide an
opportunity to open discussions with the Chinese Government on the
future of Hong Kong. It was evident that the Chinese Government had
reached the same conclusion, and substantive discussions took place during the visit. Following a meeting between the Prime Minister
and Chairman Deng Xiaoping on 24 September 1982 the following joint
statement was issued:
"Today the leaders of both countries held far-reaching talks in
a friendly atmosphere on the future of Hong Kong. Both
Leaders made clear their respective positions on this
subject.
They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic channels
following the visit with the common aim of maintaining the
stability and prosperity of Hong Kong."
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