TNAG-2400-FCO40-3487-Political-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Japan-1992 — Page 11

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remarkably good relationship. I am sure the Japanese do

feel that the comparative absence of high-level visits

suggests that we are still not giving Japan the weight to

which it is entitled as the second largest economy in the

world and a country which is not only being called on to

take on more international responsibilities but is,

increasingly, doing so,

4.

Everyone on our side understands the difficulties but I hope the Secretary of State and Prime Minister will

manage Japan in 1993.

5.

I think we (officials mostly) need to give more

attention to one aspect of managing relations with Japan.

Just as we give our American or European allies advance

notice of British announcements/decisions which may affect

their interests or sensitivities, so we should Japan.

Example: the Japanese are feeling very sore about Yeltsin's sudden postponement of his planned visit to Japan and about Russian attitudes towards Japan in

general. But they learned only from the press that we had signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Russia during Yeltsin's visit. It is really a matter of

"thinking Japan" all the time, despite the country's

remoteness. I shall try to keep this in mind but hope Mr

Hum and FED will as well.

6.

I am impressed by new evidence of Japan's global

involvement. They have long been a major player in the

Asia region but it is interesting that they are now beginning to play a role in Central Asia through aid and the opening of missions (in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan).

/Also

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