TNAG-1533-FCO40-2097-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-closed-camp-policy-1986 — Page 22

Immigration Department deploy 15 officers plus clerical support on this task.

Establishing an office in Taiwan to manage this workload would not be economic and would raise the UK's (and Hong Kong's) profile in Taiwan to an unacceptable level.

PRC and Taiwan Trade

(UK 1.3;

HMG wishes to take advantage of potential for greater exports to Taiwan. UK percentage share of Taiwan imports is similar to that of other European competitors. France 1.0; Netherlands 1.1; Italy 1.0; FRG 3.5). But PRC/UK trade is growing rapidly and is at present 3 times

UK/Taiwan trade:

1983

1984

1985

1986 (Jan-Jun)

Exports to PRC (m)

163

317

396

280

Exports to Taiwan (£m)

129

150

165

87

Chinese Technology

China has a functioning satellite launch system (Long March rocket), and is the world's 6th largest exporter of arms. China is well capable of servicing aircraft like the Harrier.

Hong Kong Angles

(a)

(b)

}

Whatever attitude Taiwan may take, Hong Kong's

future is as part of PRC. Therefore vital that we establish close cooperarive relationship with Chinese over Hong Kong. This we are doing. Should not put this process at risk, for it would be to the ultimate detriment of Hong Kong. Would do so were we to establish "a much more magnified presence" in Taiwan, as you suggest. Would send the wrong signals to the PRC and undo much good work.

Some people in Hong Kong may wish to emigrate to Taiwan as 1997 approaches. But not aware of any particular inclination to do so among those who do not already have links with Taiwan.

Should not forget that

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