TNAG-1622-FCO40-2236-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 133

CONFIDENTIAL

We

indicate those areas that are of particular interest to them. should use the high level visits planned from the UK in the next year to press for results.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT SUPPLY

11. While not acknowledging the Western approach to human rights, the recent Chinese performance on human rights has improved. China is showing a greater willingness to rely on rule of law and judicial processes and is considering acceding to the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights. She has already ratified the UN Convention on torture. Provided these trends continue Following Hu Yaobang's resignation, HMG should review the existing policy on sales of internal security equipment to China, with a view to restricting embargoed items to those with a specific offensive internal security function, eg. baton rounds, CS gas, and water

cannon.

VISAS

12. An intelligence threat from China remains (as indeed it does from other countries who do not pose a defence threat) but the threat is as much industrial as political. There will be a continuing need to monitor Chinese activities in the UK, but there are insufficient grounds for maintaining an elaborate and expensive referral procedure, which delays the issue of visas and has caused friction in the bilateral relationship, not least for business visitors. Embassies abroad should be given delegated authority to issue visas for all short-stay visitors after a brief waiting period (say 3 working days). Long-stay visa applications would still be referred to the UK, but would be granted within 2 weeks, rather than

the current 30-day period.

VISITS AND EXCHANGES

13. HMG should maintain a regular programme of outward visits by both ministers and officials, in addition to the already planned programme of Royal Visits. The visit to China by Princess Margaret in May 1987 should include commercial and/or cultural elements which can enhance the value attached by the Chinese to their links witn

FC3AAU

CONFIDENTIAL