TNAG-2606-FCO40-3797-International-support-from-Japan-regarding-the-future-of-Hon-1992 — Page 123

DOUGLAS HURD, CBE.

/

MP.,

2 :

CONFIDENTIAL

As regards democracy and human rights in China, I

elaborated the keen interest of international society including

Japan and emphasised that China needs constantly to take

positive and visible steps in this area. The Chinese leaders

repeated their known position citing their interpretation of

human rights in the development process. Quick and dramatic

improvement may not be expected. Nevertheless, it is important

for us all to keep on reminding them of our interest at every

possible occasion.

As regards arms control and disarmament, while

indicating our appreciation on China's recent positive

attitudes, I urged the Chinese leaders to take a more positive

attitude to the question of the transfer of conventional

the accession to the NPT and the observance of MTCR guidelines.

The Chinese leaders responded that China has always taken a

disciplined attitude vis-a-vis arms control and disarmament, and

that the accession to the NPT was ratified by the Standing

Committee of the National People's Congress at the end of the

1991. They also said that China expressed her intention to

observe the MTCR guidelines when the U. S. Secretary of State

Mr. James Baker III, visited China. They expressed, however,

their views that the U. S. has since changed her policy about the

package which was then agreed between China and the U. S., and now

proposes new conditions, as a result of which there has not been

any progress.

Cont./....