TNAG-2766-FCO40-3983-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 129

UNCLASSIFIED

Human Rights

Raised regularly both bilaterally and during Presidency on behalf of EC partners. Signs of increased willingness to listen

(though not necessarily to act).

Lord Howe's mission successful, good programme. Still await final report.

- With incoming Clinton administration and Danish EC Presidency

human rights likely to have increased profile.

Chinese Foreign Policy/Arms Sales

- Evidence of greater assertiveness in foreign policy, notably over attitude to territorial disputes in South China Sea

(Spratley and Paracel Islands).

- Combined with military modernisation (including important transfers of equipment and technology from Russia) may well give course for regional concern.

PARISIAN

hinese apparently selling military technology to Syria and

Also selling civil nuclear technology to Iran.

AN Pakistan.

for concern.

Cause

Multilateral

-

Changes in world order, notably in Russia/FSU, likely to

elevate China's status in world affairs.

Hope to encourage China to take responsible role in multilateral fora, particularly over arms transfers and

environmental issues.

spknotes5193

UNCLASSIFIED