10. On balance, despite the problems, some form of relationship between Hong Kong and OECD would seem worthwhile if the Hong Kong Government decided to pursue the possibility. But consultation with China would be necessary.
APEL
11.
Even though there are no discernible legal impediments there is at present little chance of Hong Kong joining APEC, due to Chinese opposition. The Chinese
The Chinese regard APEC as an "intergovernmental conference of sovereign states", and are therefore not keen that Hong Kong should join - China has made this clear to participating members. China herself is not yet a member.
12. The UK has lobbied APEC members in support of llong Kong participation, laying stress on Hong Kong's economic and commercial autonomy and urging that its case be examined separately from that of China. We have also produced a "non-paper" asking for the support of the Indonesian and Singaporean governments for Hong Kong's inclusion in the next APEC meeting. Other member states, particularly the ASEANS, are not against the idea of Hong Kong membership, but do not wish to upset the Chinese.
13. There is also a suggestion that Hong Kong, China and Taiwan might join APEC simultaneously, but the Hong Kong question will not be raised again until the next APEC Ministerial in Singapore at the end of July. The situation
therefore remains unclear.
ECONOMIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
MAY 1990
SG2AAS
CON FIDENTIAL
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