NETHERLANDS/EU/CHINA ARMS EMBARGO: POLDIR ON NOV

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 003067

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2014
TAGS: PREL PHUM CH NL EUN
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU/CHINA ARMS EMBARGO: POLDIR ON NOV
22 GAERC

REF: THE HAGUE 3011

Classified By: CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR CLIFFORD M. SOBEL FOR REASONS 1
.4 (B AND D)


1. (C) Ambassador Sobel discussed the EU China arms embargo
with MFA PolDir Hugo Siblesz on November 22; specifically the
reference to the EU's intention to send a "positive signal"
to China. Siblesz said the PRC had requested reference be
made to the embargo in the EU-China Summit Communique.
Accordingly, the thinking during the EU FM's November 22
lunch was to note "progress" but also cite "areas of
concern." Siblesz underscored that there had been no change
in the Dutch position (i.e., timing and conditions do not
merit a lift, but the GONL will not block consensus). He
said that Denmark, Sweden and -- on a limited basis -- the
Czech Republic have reservations about a lift. There is also
significant sensitivity with regard to the timing of the
Taiwan elections. Siblesz felt the British were the key to
the current situation and that a softening of their position
could change the dynamics towards a quick lift. Siblesz said
the Dutch had given indications of the sort of steps that the
Chinese needed to take to move the process forward such as
releasing individuals detained in relation to Tiananmen
Square or signing the UN Convention on Civil and Political
Rights. DCM also spoke with DepPolDir Herman Schaper on
November 23 who said that FM Bot's characterization of the
EU's "concerns" as "conditions" in his public statements had
caused confusion. MFA says these are not in fact conditions,
noting adamant Chinese opposition to such a characterization.


2. (C) Comment: The Dutch understand that the U.S. believes
the "positive signal" coming out of the November 22 GAERC
goes one step further than we anticipated, but they seem to
believe that references to addressing human rights concerns
and strengthening the "toolbox" for post-embargo countries
create enough obstacles to make a lift of the embargo
unlikely before the end of their presidency. FM Bot told the
Ambassador recently (reftel) the Dutch hope to get past the
December 17 European council meeting without a decision and
put the matter into Luxembourg's presidency. End Comment.
SOBEL