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THE PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA
8.
Against this background the British 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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