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CONTRIBUTION TO BRIEFING FOR SIR ROBIN BUTLER'S VISITS TO
THE US AND CANADA
BACKGROUND
Hong Kong/China Relations
1.
Sino-British relations have improved following
Mr Maude's recent visit to Peking, which provided a useful opportunity to air our concerns on a number of Hong Kong issues. We are keen to maintain the momentum resulting from the visit and are emphasising to the Chinese the importance we attach to making significant progress at the next meeting of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (to be held in London on 25-28 September).
2.
The Chinese have however not altered their position on such key issues as the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act and the proposed Hong Kong Bill of Rights, which they strongly oppose. They have yet also to send a clear message of support for the proposed Hong Kong Port and Airport Development Strategy (PADS), a huge project which would benefit greatly from Chinese support.
CHRADD/1
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