TNAG-1465-FCO40-1992-Visits-by-Chinese-officials-to-the-UK--including-visit-by-Hu-1986 — Page 65

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

RESTRICTED

Доля

Ce Istitigan Adrie Kay Kay

LAB Elm

Sehing

CABINET OFFICE, WHITEHALL, LONDON SWIA 2AS

Tel No: 233 3299

2 Kode 1716

7471

10 June 1986

び

FED

си

Colin Budd Esq

Private Secretary to the

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Downing Street

LONDON

SW1

Cohn

HKK 00612.

RECEIVE

24 JUN 1986

OLS

•AJB 24

6

VISIT OF GENERAL SECRETARY HU YAOBANG

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fir wHandig or visa

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On the afternoon of 9 June, the Chancellor of the Duchy called upon General Secretary Hu Yaobang. They had a discussion lasting some twenty-five minutes. Also present were the Chinese Ambassador and Mr Bijian.

Following opening courtesies, the General Secretary asked the Chancellor what steps he would advocate to improve Sino-British relations. The Chancellor replied that they were many, but he would mention three: to increase mutual visits and exchanges; where problems were encountered, to find solutions, eg as in Hong Kong; and to seek common positions on world issues. Towards the end of their discussion, the General Secretary reiterated these points, slightly re-interpreting the second and third points, so that they should refer to developing trade, and seeking common ground respectively. In turn, the General Secretary said that the Chinese Communist Party, Government and people would keep good faith on the question of Hong Kong. They would not interfere with the constitutional and economic principles established for Hong Kong within 50 years after 1997. They would respect the UK's interests in Hong Kong after 1997. It was important to enhance mutual trust. The Chancellor agreed, saying that HMG' belief in the good faith of the Chinese government had meant that an agreement could be found on Hong Kong.

In further discussion, the following points were raised:

i. the General Secretary commented that current Sino-British relations showed that one can transcend ideological differences, and become good friends. The Chancellor agreed, noting that what is the best system in China may not be in the UK. The systems could develop in different ways.

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