TNAG-2503-FCO40-3641-Talks-between-China-and-the-European-Community-regarding-Hon-1992 — Page 16

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proposal has been put to or considered by the Twelve.

Indeed

following the last EPC discussion of Li Peng's visit to Europe, the Dutch Presidency recorded the consensus as being opposed to even bilateral invitations to Li Peng by members of the Community.

3.

There is a further point. Traditionally the Twelve have accepted only an annual Troika commitment to China (in the

margins of UNGA). To hold a second meeting will in our vi ew require the agreement of partners.

4. In the circumstances you should tell the MFA that we assume

that they intend to consult

consult the Twelve

the Twelve, perhaps at

perhaps at the Political Committee on 14-15 January, before putting any proposals to the Chinese.

We are considering separately how to respond to Pineiro's suggestion that Hong Kong and Macao should be on the agenda.

5.

6. For Peking: It would be helpful to have an input from EC Embassies about the Portuguese proposal, before the Political Committee.

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