§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Prime Minister what were his priorities for his recent visit to China; and which Chinese Ministers he met. [56428]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 26 October 1998]: My visit was intended to mark a new chapter in the United Kingdom's relations with China following the successful handover of Hong Kong. As set out in our joint statement, we agreed to enhance co-operation in areas of bilateral, regional and global interest including financial issues, trade and investment and environmental protection, and encourage closer cultural and educational contacts. At the same time, we shall continue to pursue our bilateral dialogue on human rights. In addition to my meetings with the Chinese President and Premier, I met the Vice Premier (Mr. Li Lanqing), the Vice Foreign Minister (Mr. Wangfan), the Minister of Foreign Trade (Mr. Shi Guangsheng), the Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr. Liu Jianseng) and the Vice Minister of Justice (Miss Liu Yang).