Summary British Prime minister Tony Blair visits mainland China and former British colony Hong Kong. He will discuss human rights issues and meet with Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji
Timeline 7/1/97- Hong Kong reverts to Chinese rule
10/5/98, Monday: The day before Tony Blair arrived when China signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR ) in New York
10/6/98, Tuesday: Blair flies to China. Britain and China announce a "comprehensive partnership" Tony Blair went into a meeting with Zhu Rongji and spent the afternoon at the Forbidden City where he recorded an interview for Chinese Central Television. His references to Tibet and human rights were edited out when it was broadcast the following evening.
10/7/98, Wednesday: Blair gives a speech to the Chamber of Commerce
10/8/98, Thursday: Tony Blair and his entourage departed for Shanghai and Hong Kong. Blair gives a speak to Hong Kong business leaders, says that relations between China and Britain are entering a "new era" with strong personal relations between the leaders of the two countries and growing commercial ties.
10/10/98, Saturday: Visit ends.
Key Words
Tony Blair, Zhu Rongji, England, Britain, Hong Kong, China, Human rights