TNAG-2468-FCO40-3592-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-Hong-Kong-interests-1992 — Page 86

Mr

Mr

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Hám

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Thanks. I susel witli

Zhey. Mis De Eller's in chufts

FROM: T Furness

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 7 September 1992

CC: FED

NAD

Северные

CM

8/4

CALL BY CHINESE MINISTER: 8 SEPTEMBER 1992: US/CHINA TRADE:

SECTION 301 MARKET ACCESS NEGOTIATIONS

1. Mr Goodlad has been questioned in Hong Kong on what HMG are

doing about the threat of the US taking Section 301 action

against Chinese imports. (I attach a copy of the background

brief

which was included in Mr Goodlad's briefing pack.) He will be pointing out that our Embassy in Washington is ensuring that the Administration and Congress are aware of

the impact such action would have on Hong Kong. But it may be

helpful for us to be able to say that we have also spoken to the

Chinese.

2. The critical date by which the US authorities have to

decide whether to increase tariffs on Chinese products is the

statutory deadline of 10 October 1992.

3.

I therefore recommend you take the following line when

Mr Zheng calls on you on other business:

-

We have been closely following the US/China trade

consultations. No wish to interfere in bilateral matter, but

important both sides should know that Section 301 action Would

sec.301.ADMIN.JRB

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