PUS
SPEAKING NOTE: DINNER WITH UK-JAPAN 2000 GROUP
British policy towards Hong Kong, South East Asia and the Far East
Hong Kong still the key. sovereignty
midin control of Hong Kong in June [2]
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re The key fact that Chinassumes 1997. Principles behind the transition already firmly in place ("one country, two systems").
Acute worry around the time of the Tiannanmen massacre. But the world
has changed since 1989. Recent signs that China may be changing too. Liberals making a come-back? What prospect is there for a reverse take-over in 1997? That if one of the two systems is endangered, it is Peking rather than Hong Kong?
Japan plays useful role backing up our Hong Kong/China policy. Reinforces our message in Peking. How can we build on that regional cooperation? Among Europeans, Britain has the biggest commercial interests in South-East Asia [true?]. How can we ensure
cooperation rather than antagonism and rivalry as we each develop our
relations with the ASEAN countries?
Britain and Japan at the economic top table. Increasing importance of the international economy for international politics
seen after last year's G7 Summit in London, when Mr Gorbachev made an
appearance. How to develop the G7?
Should Japan be satisfied with a higher profile for the G7?
Ever louder talk in Japan. cf permanent membership of the UN Security
Council. But membership not determined by economic strength alone.
Problem that Council membership cannot be opened for just one country
however desirable. Other less desirable candidates in the wings.
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Recognise that those paying the bills are entitled to be involved early in Council decisions with financial implications (eg
peace-keeping). Any ideas for how this might be set up?
Japan is already the second largest economy in the world.
Getting bigger. We want to see Japan fully integrated, fully involved. How can we help? How does Japan see its own future?
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