TNAG-1626-FCO40-2240-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1987 — Page 138

FE/7917/A3/1

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4 Apr 85

3. FAR EASTERN RELATIONS

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Macao Question

Xinhua in English 0508 gmt 3 Apr 85

Text of report:

A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated here today. [Peking, 3rd April] that the question of Macao should be settled at a proper time through negotiations between the Chinese and Portuguese governments.

Speaking at a press conference here this morning, the spokesman said that Macao is part of China's territory and China and Portugal reached an understanding on this at the time of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between them.

"We consistently hold that China's restoration of its right to exercise its sovereignty over Macao and other related issues should be settled at an appropriate time through friendly negotiations between the Chinese and Portuguese governments. This is the consistent position of the Chinese government on the Macao issue", he stated.

issues.

He made this statement in response to a question on the Hongkong and Macao

He also said that an office for Hongkong and Macao affairs had been set up recently in the Foreign Ministry to take care of affairs between China and Britain and Portugal over Hongkong and Macao. The office is on a par with other departments of the ministry.

He also disclosed at the conference that the Sino-British joint liaison group is to be formally established upon the coming into effect of the Sino-British joint declaration on Hongkong issue. The Chinese and British sides are discussing the time of announcing the group's composition and other matters.

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