}
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(b) work closely with our G7/EC partners in pursuit of these
(c)
Objectives;
vigorously pursue a menu of different policies and actions, as outlined in paragraph 11; and
(d)
accept that the increase in
resources devoted to these two
tasks will necessarily mean either a reduction in other
work or the provision of additional staff.
Background and Argument
3.
China has always fallen a long way short of acceptable human rights standards, but the 10 years 1979-1988 were a period of steadily improving living standards and economic freedoms combined with modest improvements in freedom of expression. Any optimi sm that economic reforms would lead steadily to political changes in the direction of democratic accountability, was cruelly set back by the ruthless crackdown in Tiananmen and the subsequent repression, which continues to this day. Economic progress remains impressive.
4. Since Tiananmen we and EC and G7 partners, to varying degrees, have consistently impressed on the Chinese our concern about human
rights. The Madrid and Paris measures were formulated to express our disgust. At every Ministerial contact including the outward visits of Mr Maude and the Secretary of State, and the inward visit
of Tian Zengpei, the subject has been discussed. The EC have made a number of joint démarches in Peking and in UN Human Rights fora. We have continued to provide a safe haven for Chinese students unwilling to return home; and we took in the leading dissident Fang. Lizhi last year.
When the Madrid measures were lifted in October
1990, the EC agreed to maintain pressure on human rights.
5. So much for the past. This submission considers how to take
matters forward following the Prime Minister's visit and his
personal commitment to maintain pressure on this front. A number of
steps have already been taken:
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