TNAG-1622-FCO40-2236-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 141

III. Strategic

The Chinese will value the UK as a significant and

positive element in the EC, which the Chinese view as important counterweight to the domination of the

superpowers.

From a Chinese point of view our role in

NATO, and our close relationship with the US,

seen as mainiy, but not entirely, positive.

IV. Hong Kong

is

The Chinese will wish to see a British presence up to

1997, actively co-operating in ensuring the continued

stability and prosperity of Hong Kong leading to a

smooth transfer of power. They will then seek to

minimise the extent to which the UK might limit their

freedom of action in Hong Kong after they resume

sovereignty in 1997.

V.

Taiwan

The Chinese will seek to ensure that no political

relations develop between the UK and the authorities in

Taiwan which might encourage a Taiwan declaration of

independence and hamper the prospects for

reunification.

SECTION IV: BRITISH OBJECTIVES

9.

In order of priority, revised since 1981:

I.

Hong Kong

To work towards the faithful implementation of the

1984 Joint Declaration on the question of Hong Kong,

CONFIDENTIAL

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