China: Premier Zhao's Visit to Western Europe

Premier Zhao Ziyang's visit to Western Europe in June  1985 focused primarily on promoting trade and economic competition between European countries, Japan, and the United States for sales to China. Economic cooperation agreements were signed, including one with the UK on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. However, a binding agreement with the West German company Kraftwerk Union for the sale of nuclear reactors is still under negotiation. Zhao also expressed China's strategic concerns, urging European countries to press for arms race reduction, particularly in space. China is interested in a strong and unified Western Europe that can safeguard peace and stability. Zhao emphasized trade and technology issues during the visit while avoiding political controversy. China aims to reduce its dependence on the US and Japan by increasing trade with Western Europe. The visit resulted in modest trade outcomes, and specific agreements varied among the countries visited.