CONFIDENTIAL
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SECTION II: BRITISH INTERESTS
7. In order of priority, revised since 1979:
I.
Hong Kong
To negotiate an arrangement for the future of Hong Kong that will preserve business confidence and social stability. While doing this to seek to preserve existing good relations over practical matters affecting Hong Kong.
II.
Political
Britain has a strong interest in the development of
a stable and prosperous China well disposed towards
the West.
III. Trade.
We want to maximise UK exports, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by China's modernisation
programme.
IV.
Defence Sales
The UK has an economic and political interest in selling the Chinese defensive equipment and advanced technology.
V.
Raw Materials
In the longer term China may offer us the opportunity to diversify away from, eg Southern Africa, our imports of certain raw materials in ore, particularly manganese and
antimony.
VI.
Economic
As major project opportunities develop, we shall wish to monitor the performance of the Chinese economy and external payments situation to check that Chinese credit- worthiness is sustained. We have to guard against cheap Chinese exports damaging sectors of British industry.
VII.
Residents/Tourists
There are few long-stay British residents in China. British visitors include students, teachers, press, businessmen and tourists. The expected continuing rise
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