TNAG-1471-FCO40-2001-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 38

CONFIDENTIAL

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VISIT OF MR RENTON TO CHINA AND THAILAND, 18-27 JANUARY 1986

CHINA

Brief No 1: Steering Brief

Introduction

1.

Mr Renton's visit to China will be the first by an FCO Minister of State since Sir Humphrey Atkins (as Lord Privy Seal) in January 1982. The Secretary of State visited China three times in 1984, including accompanying the Prime Minister in December for the signature of the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. In June 1985, Premier Zhao Ziyang visited Britain, accompanied by Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian and by Mr Renton's host, Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Nan; there were four visits to China by British cabinet ministers in 1985, each focussing largely on trade promotion: Lord Young (twice), Mr Ridley and Mr Jopling. The momentum of high level visits looks set to increase further in 1986, culminating in the State Visit (12-18 October).

2.

During his visit to Britain, Premier Zhao described bilateral relations as "better than ever before". This is broadly true, both as regards substance and political climate, although there remain areas of potential difficulty and misunderstanding, particularly over Hong Kong.

UK Objectives

3.

a) To emphasise our desire for continued expansion of

bilateral relations, particularly trade.

b)

c)

a)

To emphasise our support for pragmatic and outward- looking Chinese policies.

то

ment to

raise. Sernal specific points about thy Kup, and

Кир, To reassure the Chinese about our commi discharge in full our responsibilities under the to reassume Joint Declaration. the Chine about an intentions

To continue the dialogue on international issues.

Likely Chinese Objectives

4. a) To emphasise that China is fully committed to the

open door policy and internal economic reforms; and that China is a force for international stability.

b)

To seek concessions on trade policy and related issues (eg COCOM, GATT membership, access to URENCO technology).

J18AAW 4

/c)

CONFIDENTIAL