TNAG-2236-FCO40-3215-Hong-Kong-and-China-subversion-and-student-demonstrations-1991 — Page 13

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to restrict the negative influence of the commodity economy.

points were 23 September

12.

According to reports by Western correspondents from Peking, similar

made in an internal party document dated

which discussed the recent changes in the Soviet Union. The reports claimed that the document had described Gorbachev as a "careerist and opportunist" and had criticised the Soviet coup leaders for being weak, indecisive and disorganised (various Hong Kong papers, 28-29 Oct).

13.

Both Jiang Zemin and Li Ruihuan visited east China. In Shanghai on 25 October, Li Ruihuan made a speech calling for a spirit of innovation and a pragmatic approach and commending Shanghai's achievements in promoting "spiritual civilisation". In Hangzhou on 27 October, Jiang Zemin delivered a homily on the need for continued efforts to promote "spiritual civilisation" and to overcome corrupting influences (PD, ED 26 and 28 Oct). (Comment: These visits may be connected with preparations for the next Party plenum, due to be held soon, and perhaps with preparations for a national planning

planning conference, also expected to take place soon according to some reports. It is also possible that Jiang and Li may have consulted verteran leaders such as Chen Yun and perhaps Deng Xiaoping believed to be resident in east China.)

14.

The Peking Intermediate Court was reported to have dismissed Wang Meng's application for libel action against the editor of Wen-yi Bao. Wang was said to be planning to apply to the Higher Court and to have instructed a lawyer to ask the Intermediate Court to investigate evidence that the editor of Wen-yi Bao received prior notification of the court's decision.

A report in the Hong Kong Ming Pao (23 Oct.) said that meetings held by Wang Meng and other "liberal" writers were being monitored by agents of the Party Propaganda Dept who attended them in the guise of sympathisers. (Comment: Wang's recourse to the courts may be motivated less by any expectation of successful litigation than

by a wish to use the attendant publicity to protect himself from a perceived threat of purge action resulting from the criticism.)

15.

A Leading Group on Intellectual Property Rights has been

established, headed by Song Jian (Minister for Science and Technology) and including representatives of other ministries and the PRC Patent Office (China Daily 24 Oct). According to Western reports the Chinese authorities are examining the possibility of adhering to the Berne Convention.

16.

A bill amplifying the 1958 PRC Government Statement on the Territorial Sea and providing for the exercise of administrative control over contiguous areas was presented for examination by the NPC Standing Committee on 25 October (PDOE 26 Oct).

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