TNAG-2347-FCO40-3416-Political-relations-between-Hong-Kong--Italy-and-China-1991 — Page 12

3.

1

To complete this, inevitably brief, account of my trip, I wish

to add that the Chinese seemed to be sincere when they said they hoped

for a long period of peace and stability to pursue their internal develop-

ment. They hope in a multi-bloc world (their fear of American hegemony

surfaced on several occasions) governed by the famous five principles

of peaceful coexistence. To achieve this kind of international order

they are prepared to act with pragmatism.

No doubt China's stance has limits, but if nothing else, it

could spur the country into steering a realistic and reasonable course.

In the meantime all we can do is to keep all channels of communications

open.

I would like to conclude by saying that I too have been critized

for visiting China and for my methods in assessing the reality of the

People's Republic of China, but I believe that the path we have chosen

is the only valid one.

accepted the invitation to come to

I am glad that you have accepted

Rome on November 27th next for the traditional summit between our two

countries.

an occasion for discussing more in-depth these

It will be

and other topics of major interest to us.

With my warmest regards,

*

Giulio Andreotti