Research On The British Government's Decision-making Towards China In The Process Of Establishing Diplomatic Relations At The Ambassadorial Level Between China And The UK (1970.6-1972.3)

In June 1970,Edward Heath became the new British Prime Minister who attached great importance to the development of Sino-British relations and hoped to promote the establishment of comprehensive diplomatic relations between China and Britain during his term of office.Under the guidance of the Prime Minister,the British Foreign Office began to observe the developments of China closely and prudently handle every interactions between China and Britain.The British government realized that there are three obstacles in the process of establishing ambassadorial diplomatic relations between China and Britain through the negotiation with China: Britain’s voting in the UN on questions of China’s membership,the issue of the consulate in Taiwan and the British position over Taiwan’s legal status.After internal consultation and self-interest consideration,the British agreed to meet the first two China’s request,but on the third question,the British failed to adhere to insist on making a clear statement,it proposed that China need to make some concessions on the program,allowing the British admitted that Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to China in the form of expression.China agreed to the requirements of the British,they both made a compromise and reached an agreement.The decision-making process of Britain to establish ambassadorial diplomatic relations was influenced by its own position,Sino-British relations,Anglo-American relations and other factors,and finally the British achieved the upgrade of Sino-British relations by overcoming multiple obstacles.