TNAG-1372-FCO40-1818-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 159

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the importance we attach to our political relationship with the Thais and our support for the present Thai Government. There would be value, in parliamentary and public terms, in the Minister visiting the Thai/Cambodian border and being seen to take an interest in the refugee problem there.

5.

Relations with China are continuing to develop rapidly. But we need to keep up the momentum, both for Hong Kong reasons and to provide political support for British companies' efforts (so far less successful than those of their major competitors) to secure more business from China's modernisation programme. In view of the importance the Chinese attach to personal contacts, Ministerial visits are a major component of our overall political relationship. An early visit by Mr Renton would underline the priority we give to China and enable us to continue our growing dialogue on international issues. It would also give Mr Renton an opportunity to discuss Hong Kong issues first hand with Chinese leaders and would help reassure Hong Kong opinion about HMG's commitment to looking after Hong Kong's interests. Journalists in Hong Kong have already asked why Mr Renton is not going on to China after his October visit to Hong Kong.

6.

Relations between Britain and Japan are also developing new substance and the importance of ministerial visits in this process cannot be over-estimated. With the trade imbalance still the major issue in bilateral relations, personal ministerial contacts can play a major role in promoting British business. Japan's higher profile in international affairs and her growing dialogue with western allies have increased her political importance in recent years.

7. Although Mr Renton will have visited Hong Kong in October, it will be important to make a further brief stop there after his visit to China. The Governor will wish to debrief Mr Renton on his talks with Chinese leaders, and it will give Mr Renton an opportunity to make a few reassuring comments to the Hong Kong press about this visit. For practical reasons too it may be more convenient for Mr Renton to continue from Canton to Tokyo via Hong Kong rather than via Peking.

8. We have consulted posts about possible dates. provisional itinerary has emerged:

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Thailand

17 Jan

18-21 Jan

21-26 Jan

26-27 Jan

China (Peking, Shanghai, Canton)

Hong Kong (overnight)

27-39 Jan

Japan

The following

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