Visit expected from China’s Premier

Press, 16 August 1988, Page 34

Visit expected from China’s Premier

By

TIM DONOGHUE

NZPA Hong Kong China’s Premier, Li Peng, is expected to visit New Zealand and Australia this year, according to officials in China. Discussions on a possible visit by Mr Li took place during the MayJune visit to China by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Moyle. The Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Bill Hayden, would not be drawn on the issue when asked by NZPA at a press conference about the possible trip. He said the issue was one for the Chinese to

comment on. But November is being tipped as the month for the Chinese leader’s trip. Mr Li, aged 59, a Soviet-trained engineer who was raised as the adopted son of Premier Chou En-lai, assumed his role from the Communist Party secretary, Zhao Ziyang, in March. He has a cautious approach to the economic reform policies advocated by Zhao Ziyang. This reflects his conservative backing from people such as Chou En-lai’s widow, Deng Yingchao, Chen Yun and Peng Zhen. His elevation was inter-

preted by many as representing the interests of conservative, anti-refor-mist elements in China’s new leadership. But Mr Hayden said Mr Li exhibited no sign of his reported differences with Zhao Ziyang when the two men met in Peking. If Mr Li does visit New Zealand, he will follow Zhao Ziyang; the ousted Communist Party Secretary, Hu Yaobang; Li Xiannian and Wan Li. All have visited New Zealand since 1983. New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Marshall, is due to visit China this year.