TNAG-2792-FCO40-4031-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1993 — Page 35

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Taiwan/PRC/Hong Kong

16.

A symposium entitled "Development Strategy for the Greater China Economic System on the Road to the 21st Century",

held in Taipei in late September was attended by some 40 specialists from the mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas

(PDOE 28 Sept).

17.

In an interview with a French newspaper, President Lee expressed support in principle for the formation of a "co-operative economic region" consisting of the mainland, Hong

Kong and Taiwan (CT 13 Oct).

18.

A report in SSZD of 4 November said that the Taiwan

Ministry of Transport and Communications would be initiating unofficial contact with Hong Kong regarding the continuation of air services after the current agreement with Hong Kong expires

in 1995. There was a possibility that the current agreement

might not be renewed or that current airline rights could only

be extended until 1997. Taiwan was said to be seeking contact

with the Macau government regarding use of the airport there

after its completion in July 1995. As a last resort, Taiwan

would consider using such places as Hanoi, the Ryukyus, Singapore and Manila as intermediary points in place of Hong

Kong for traffic to the former mainland.

19.

According to a Ming Pao (16 Nov) report, quoting Cheng

An-kuo of the Hong Kong and Macau Department of the MAC,

legislation on relations with Hong Kong and Macau after they

become SARS may be presented for study by the LY by the end of

1994. It is expected that the legislation will be passed by the

end of 1996, to take effect from 1 July 1997. The report added that Taiwan plans to separate the question of air service rights to Hong Kong and Macau from the question of the "three

G.F. 324

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