RESTRICTED
Background
1.
Deng Xiaoping made his first public appearance since February 1991 with a visit to Guangdong Province, and the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in January. Although Chinese media coverage of the visit was limited, and belated, the symbolism of the visit to China's most progressive and outward looking province is clear. Together with a series of speeches by Chinese leaders this may signify a concerted reformist revival. The 14th Party Congress, which may be an occasion for senior personnel changes, and major policy decisions, is to take place in the last quarter of the year.
2.
The House of Commons Trade and Industry Select Committee is to visit Hong Kong, south China and Taiwan at the beginning of March, as part of an enquiry into trade with Hong Kong and its hinterland.
[None of the MPs at the lunch
are members of the Committee].
3.
UK/China Trade Figures (1981)
Taiwan: UK exports £520m UK imports £1,272m
China:
£322m " £706m
NB China figures likely to be larger both ways by about 20% when re-exports via Hong Kong are added on.
Hong Kong/China economic relations
4. Deng Xiaoping's visit to Shenzhen a mild boost to confidence: described Guangdong as a fifth "dragon" (cf South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong). Hong Kong
crucial in this:
BACKGROUND
-
10,000 Hong Kong controlled enterprises in South China
50,000 Hong Kong managers working there
NC2ABO/4
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.