TNAG-2038-FCO40-2902-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 9

Background

CONFIDENTIAL

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED UNDER

FOI EXEMPTION NO. 27(...)..

Relations with China over Hong Kong

1.

Following Tiananmen Square, our relations with China over Hong Kong suffered a set-back from which they have not fully recovered. The Chinese remain concerned that Hong Kong may be used as a base for subversion against the mainland. They are also suspicious of the nationality package, the Bill of Rights and plans for the new Hong Kong

airport.

2.

Relations have begun to improve, however, following the visit of Mr Maude to China in July, the decision by EC Foreign Ministers in October to dismantle sanctions against China and the visit by the Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister, Tian Zengpei, to UK in November. These developments have

all helped to generate a more constructive atmosphere in which to manage our relationship with China over Hong Kong and we hope that this will eventually yield dividends. But despite an improvement in the atmospherics, there has not yet been any significant breakthrough on any of the major Hong Kong issues.

3.

TOYAIJ/3

CONFIDENTIAL