TNAG-2347-FCO40-3416-Political-relations-between-Hong-Kong--Italy-and-China-1991 — Page 6

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continue to be an impediment to the full development of

relations with the West. It is important that others

among our colleagues who visit China also raise these

issues.

I agree with you too that, it is not just because of

human rights that it is important to maintain a dialogue

with the Chinese. There are many international issues on

which it is important to ensure that they are constructively engaged.

that

On disarmament the Chinese have long asserted their

commitment to this process at the UN and i in other

multi-national disarmament fora. But they maintain the

prime responsibility lies with the US and the Soviet Union for having amassed most of the world's arms, and that these two governments should take the lead in

international disarmament. We need to continue to engage them on all disarmament matters to ensure they do not

perpetually seek to hide behind the USA and the Soviet

Union, and to encourage their substantive participation

in our efforts. The Permanent Five members of the UN

Security Council have discussed in Paris, and most recently in London, ways of promoting greater restraint and responsibility in arms transfers, in the first

instance to the Middle East. These discussions are continuing. Chinese participation in them is a hopeful

sign.

On nuclear matters the Chinese change of attitude to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is welcome. We

should ensure that the Chinese remain committed to the reduction of global nuclear weapons levels and that they

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