TNAG-1622-FCO40-2236-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 111

CONFIDENTIAL

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Background and Argument

3. A group of Chinese journalists led by Peng Di, former deputy editor and currently senior commentator of the official Chinese news agency Xinhua, will be visiting

Britain for two weeks from 28 May. The delegation are

visiting at the invitation of the government supported

Great Britain China Centre (GBCC), primarily to attend a

conference "Media and the Citizen" over the weekend

30/31 May 1987. A list of the delegation members, all of whom are English speaking and with considerable experience of working abroad is attached, together with a list of the British participants in the GBCC conference.

4.

Although there are regular reports in the Chinese media of events in Britain, based on British and

international press or agency reports as well as Xinhua's own reporting, these rarely include direct interviews

with British or HMG interlocutors. The interview which

has been requested will provide a rare opportunity for

HMG's views on a range of issues, including Hong Kong, to

reach a wide audience in the PRC. It will also be an

opportunity to maintain awareness of Britain in China during the lull after the high-level in visits 1986.

KS2AAW

CONFIDENTIAL