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It
being resumed. Mr Tanino said that he was disturbed by implications from US Congressmen that Japan was seeking commercial advantage. was in everybody's interest to engage Vietnam in a dialogue, and strengthen the region, to achieve a stable Indo-China.
10. Sir John Coles explained the situation on Vietnamese Boat
People. We had had detailed talks with Vietnam. There were 64,000 migrants in Hong Kong, and no further room. Complete agreement with Vietnam had been reached that all non political refugees screened in Hong Kong could be returned. This was an important milestone, but was for the time being confidential. We would be grateful if Japan would support when an announcement was finally made. The US had always opposed forceable repatriation. Public statements to this effect encouraged a show of resistance. now said that they were not opposed to mandatory repatriation. it was nevertheless going to be tricky.
Hong Kong
The US
But
11. Sir John Coles said that the Prime Minister's visit to Peking had settled our problems over the airport. But there were many difficult issues before 1997: the changing political situation in Hong Kong, China's fears about Hong Kong as a possible base of subversion, and pressure to increase the rate of democratisation. We were very grateful for the interest that Japan had taken in Hong Kong at the highest level. Japan's emphasis on the importance of Hong Kong continuing as an attractive investment base was very
useful.
12.
Mr Tanino said that Japan hoped that Hong Kong would continue to enjoy economic freedom and prosperity. The Japanese Prime Minister had stressed that point in his speech in Peking. Japan welcomed the airport agreement. Hong Kong should remain a centre of the South China Economic Zone, as far as finance and distribution were concerned. The international climate had improved. There was more regional interaction (eg APEC). A joint Japan/Hong Kong Economic Commission would meet in early November. Hong Kong had spoken in Tokyo to a full house. Japan's relations with Hong Kong were extending beyond commerce and finance to
The Government of
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