SECRET UK EYES A
The signs
November and the DTS was to visit China next Spring.
were that the UK was becoming closely associated with the Far
st's own latent superpower. All this ended at Tiananmen Square
on 3/4 June. The UK subsequently cancelled all high level
visits, arms sales activities and FCO scholarships for PLA
officers. The Chinese are fully aware of our suspension of
defence contacts and it is likely to be years before defence
relations reach the cooperative level that existed at the beginning of 1989. The longer term approach to be adopted by
the UK remains to be decided.
22.
In
We have long recognised that Japan is a crucial player in
the Far East with enormous technological capability and global
economic influence. Particular efforts have been made this year
to forge closer defence links with the 3 Arms of Japan's Self
Defence Force (SDF). CGS visited in 1987 and both CNS and VCDS
visited in 1989. The RN has a developed liaison with the
Maritime SDF and conducted navy to navy talks in the spring.
May, VCDS suggested to the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
that Defence Staff Talks be initiated. But there are
difficulties in developing initiatives with the SDF; they are
constrained by the Japanese Constitution and are careful about
expansion of military contacts beyond their special relationship
with the USA. Nevertheless, there are signs that there is an
increased readiness to talk security with the UK in parallel with
a cautious broadening of options against the background of some
strains in their association with the US.
23. On the Korean peninsula the most encouraging sign is the
growing determination by both the South and North to engage in
dialogue; it is now generally accepted that the will to resolve
differences is genuine. Nevertheless,
Nevertheless, the ROK continues to
enhance its military strength - with 1994 quoted as the date when parity with N Korea will be achieved. Prospects for substantial
defence sales are believed to exist and there is little doubt
that the ROK is turning away from its traditional, exclusive
supplier, the USA, and is seeking to satisfy its need for
advanced technology elsewhere. This is the area on which our defence relations with Korea are based as we seek to support the efforts of UK Ltd without implying a commitment to send forces in
SECRET UK EYES A
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