TNAG-2795-FCO40-4035-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Taiwan-1993 — Page 34

RESTRICTED

02015

142512

MDLIAN 5204

RESTRICTED

FM HONG KONG

TO PRIORITY FCO

TELNO 1860

OF 091029Z DECEMBER 1993

81

1993

TOP COPY QET?

комар

0.20/5.

INFO PRIORITY BTCO TAIPEI, PEKING, UKREP JLG HONG KONG.

TAIWAN/HONG KONG RELATIONS

SUMMARY

Low-key NCNA complaint about visit to Hong Kong by a group from Taiwan involved in drawing up Legislation governing Taiwan-Hong Kong relations after 1997.

DETAIL

The NCNA has complained in Low-key terms to the Deputy political Adviser about a visit to Hong Kong by a delegation from Taiwan involved in drawing up Legislation which will govern Taiwan's relations with Hong Kong after 1997. The NCNA had apparently learned of this through their own contacts in Hong Kong. The purpose of the visit was to solicit views on the proposed Legislation from relevant people in Hong Kong. A 'seminar' had been organised for this purpose. This constituted political activity and was unacceptable to China. We should take measures to prevent these people from coming (though the NCNA could give us no information on their identities).

2.

We responded on standard lines: that our policy towards Taiwan remained unchanged, we would handle this matter in a manner consistent with this policy, that HKG officials would certainly not take part in any activities by the Taiwanese authorities of the kind described, but that we could not prevent legitimate visitors from Taiwan from entering Hong Kong on private visits.

3. We have, coincidentally, received separate confirmation of this visit. Professor Byron Weng of the Hong Kong Chinese University has told us that the Taiwan authorities have established a group of academics to give advice on the proposed legislation. This will apparently look at aspects of the relationship (e.g. economic Links, immigration and legal matters, transport), and will be aimed at ensuring that there is no disruption as result of the transfer of sovereignty. Professor Weng is the only Hong Kong member of the group; the others are all from Taiwan. The group is now in Hong Kong (on a visit from 8 - 12 December) to collect local views.

1

PAGE RESTRICTED