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