HC Deb 15 February 1972 vol 831 cc242-3
Q5. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister when he next hopes to meet President Nixon; and if he will discuss with him mutual relations with the People's Republic of China.

The Prime Minister

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member's Question of 18th January, relations with the People's Republic of China were among the subjects discussed when I met President Nixon in Bermuda on 20th and 21st December. We have at present no plans for further meetings.—[Vol. 829, c. 150–1.]

Mr. Dalyell

Was not this morning's news of the lifting of the American embargo on trade with China entirely predictable? Why should British exporters be put at a considerable disadvantage by our policy on Taiwan?

The Prime Minister

We have been trading freely with China all through this period, when the Americans have not. Both our countries are covered by the Cocom procedure. As I understand it, there is no change in that respect, because the list is a matter of agreement with the countries concerned. As for Taiwan, we have no relations with Taiwan and I do not see why our trade with China should suffer in that respect. Of course it is true that our trade with China, like our trade with Soviet Russia, has fluctuated considerably at different periods. Over the last four years it has fluctuated between roughly £30 million and £55 million. But, at the same time, as I told the hon. Member, we are in discussion with the Government of the People's Republic about our future diplomatic relations with them.

Mr. Rankin

Would the Prime Minister say whether, during his discussions with the President of the United States, there was still hostility to China, not only to China's foreign policy but to the expansion of China in Asia?

The Prime Minister

We have had no hostility to China. We have had diplomatic relations with China since the Labour Government of 1950. Moreover, I should have thought that the world appreciated the importance of President Nixon's forthcoming visit to Peking and that it was an indication that the United States wants a dialogue with Peking. It was this assurance which President Nixon gave me.