CONFIDENTIAL
File
70
ECONOMIC SUMMIT: PRIME MINISTER'S BILATERAL WITH THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, 7 JULY 1993
HONG KONG
The Japanese are now the second largest investors in Hong Kong (after China) and take a close interest in developments there. They have been privately supportive over the Governor's democracy proposals, and have been prepared to raise their interest with the Chinese. For example, the Japanese Foreign Minister told his Chinese counterpart Qian Qichen in May that Japan considered it vital that Hong Kong should maintain an open system both politically and economically after 1997: that this was important not just for Hong Kong but for the whole Asia-Pacific region: and that Japan hoped that constructive dialogue could be held between China and Britain on Hong Kong's future.
The Prime Minister might wish to make the following points to the Japanese Prime Minister:-
Helpful
Grateful for Japan's support over Hong Kong. Know you share our view that the rule of law and sound democratic structures will be essential in maintaining business confidence after 1997. for China to be reminded in private that major economic partners of Hong Kong like Japan attach importance to full implementation of the Joint Declaration.
Our talks with China on Hong Kong electoral issues are making some progress. We are working to make a success of them. But we cannot let them drag on indefinitely.
Our aim is to reach an understanding with China on arrangements to ensure that the 1995 elections will be fair, open and acceptable to Hong Kong. Confident that China will see its long-term economic interests are best served by cooperating with Britain for a smooth transition.
pm.japan LETTERS johnw
HKD 021/2
R
01 JUL 1993
CONFIDENTIAL
ING.
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