TNAG-2360-FCO40-3431-Visit-by-John-Major--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--Septem-1991 — Page 58

CONFIDENTIAL

reiterate their opposition to Taiwan joining GATT before China's own re-admission. We may also need to reiterate British interests in commercial / economic dealings with Taiwan, including air services (while reassuring the Chinese about no political contacts) if these are raised by the Chinese. They may also raise, and question the privileged position of the Soviet Union vis-a-vis the G7 although we know that they are grateful for the comprehensive briefing that they received following the London Summit.

Objectives in Hong Kong

We see the main objectives of the visit .to Hong Kong as:

(a)

(b)

to secure clear support for the airport MOU and our intensified cooperation with China in the interests of a smooth transition;

to demonstrate our continuing commitment to the Territory generally, and to maintaining the authority of the Hong Kong Government in particular;

(c)

to counter suspicion that Britain and Chna are striking bilateral deals over the head of Hong Kong;

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNDER

(1)

FOI EXEMPTION NO. 27 CONFIDENTIAL

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