TNAG-2767-FCO40-3984-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 71

FCO SPOKESMAN: THURSDAY 18 MARCH 1993

UK/CHINA TRADE

•

In response to questions Spokesman said that we were surprised to see that the Chinese Minister for Foreign Economic Relations and Trade was reported to have said in Peking on 18 March that if the Governor of Hong Kong stuck to his present position, it would inevitably affect the economic and trade relations between Britain and China.

Trade and economic links between Britain and China are growing strongly. This co-operation was in the interests of both countries. We wanted to see it continue to develop.

We would regret it if the Chinese authorities allowed our differences over the question of Hong Kong to affect broader relations between Britain and China. For our part we did not want to let this happen. We stood ready for talks at any time on Hong Kong. Commercial and economic relations should be decided on their merits.