TNAG-1498-FCO40-2056-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 127

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MR BENJAMIN'S VISIT TO, BRUSSELS/PARIS, 24/25 JUNE

GUANGDONG NUCLEAR: SAFETY

OPPOSITION IN HONG KONG

Points to Make: General

1.

There is growing concern in Hong Kong about the safety of Daya Bay, about China's ability to operate the station safely, and

about the

the consequences for Hong Kong of any nuclear accident. [If

pressed for details of concern: A public meeting in Hong Kong on 8 June was attended by 500 people; this was organised by a coalition

of environmental groups and academics, which claims to have

collected 10,000 signatures (out of a target of 500,000) for a

petition urging suspension of the project. Recent Hong Kong press

editorials on the project have mainly been unfavourable.]

2.

We believe this concern can be contained provided China is seen in Hong Kong both to be fully alert to safety considerations and to take all necessary steps to ensure safety at the plant; and

that no nuclear accident now occurs involving French equipment.

3.

Hong Kong's concerns were again raised with the Chinese in the course of the recent Chinese high level visit to the UK. We and

Hong Kong will nevertheless continue to stress China's public

commitments

safety at its nuclear installations, the acceptability of French design and operating standards of safety

and our commitment to the project.

to

For Additional use with French Officials

4.

You will be aware that Chairman of China's State Science and Technology Commission Song Jian recently told EC representatives in

Peking that since Chernobyl

since Chernobyl China's Nuclear Safety Administration

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