TNAG-2767-FCO40-3984-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 85

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FCO SPOKESMAN:

18 MARCH

UK/China Trade (If asked)

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 cooperation is in the interests of both

countries. We want 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. We stand ready for talks at any time on Hong Kong. Commercial and economic relations

should be decided on their merits.

BRIEFS/statement18.3