CONFIDENTIAL
CALL BY AMBASSADOR MA ON SIT J COLES
Points to Make
- I wish to raise with you on instructions from ministers an
aspect of commercial relations between the United Kingdom and
the PRC.
Ministers have heard reports from a number of British
businessmen about approaches that have been made to them by members of the Chinese Embassy. According to our information
the businessmen were told that their companies' business or
trade with China could be affected by the present state of
relations between our two countries over Hong Kong.
They do not appear
We have been surprised by these reports. consistent with the Statement made by Vice-Premier Zhu Rongji to
the Prime Minister. He commented, for example, that the
prospects for economic and trade relations were bright, and hoped that the development of Sino-British relations would not
be affected by other issues.
That too is our hope. The UK has consistently taken the view
that close trade and commercial relations are in the
interests of our two countries and should not be affected
by political considerations. We understood that the Chinese
shared this view.
Recent events would seem to bear this out.
Two visits to China by the Minister of Trade when he has been warmly received.
cole.ma/BRIEF
CONFIDENTIAL
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