す
whether there are other World Bank loans that would contribute to reform of
the Chinese economy, especially loans that would address environmental
concerns."
I think that shows that there is a growing recognition among
the leaders of the Seven and more widely that it is important not to
isolate China; it is important to continue to draw China back into the
international community, but at the same time to continue to emphasise to
China that positive moves on human rights are an essential part of that
process.
8.
Do you think that Japan seems to have a growing interest in
Hong Kong these days, and can you help us get the message over to the
Peking authorities that they should do everything to bolster confidence in
Hong Kong and not undermine it?
(Mr Maude) Japan certainly has a close interest in Hong Kong. There
is a very great deal of Japanese investment in Hong Kong, as there is
indeed investment from all over the developed world there. That means that
Japanese businesses, and hence the Japanese Government, have this close
interest and I think that is recognised by China and properly so. But
clearly the main basis for discussing Hong Kong matters is the relationship
between the United Kingdom and China.
9.
Mr Lawrence
You have spoken of signs of human rights improvements which
justify the resumption of ministerial talks with China. Have you seen any
signs of change in that China is better disposed to our concerns about Hong
Kong than they have been?
(Mr Maude) Yes, I think so. I would not want to be too emphatic about
that because this is very much something which I want to explore with the
Chinese when I am in Peking; so I do not think I would want to pre-empt
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