TAIWAN LEVEL 4 PATHOGENS WARD

S E C R E T TAIPEI 004481 SIPDIS NOFORN STATE FOR EAP/RSP/TC STATE PLEASE PASS TO AIT/W E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/06/2015 TAGS: AMED ETTC PARM TW MTAG CBW SUBJECT: TAIWAN LEVEL 4 PATHOGENS WARD REF: TAIPEI 3701 Classified By: AIT Acting Director David Keegan, Reasons 1.4 b/d ¶1. (S//NF) Action request para 3. On November 3, NHDetect CEO and President David Trudil discussed with AIT COMM and ECON officers a formal advocacy request that his company is submitting through the USDOC Advocacy Center regarding its bid on the first phase of a planned level 4 pathogens ward. Trudil explained that level 4 pathogens are "genetically-engineered bugs that can destroy the world;" far more dangerous than anthrax, SARS, or avian influenza. He said Taiwan already had an operational level 4 laboratory, and that he had recently arranged a tour of these facilities for U.S. DOD and CDC personnel in exchange for DOD allowing Taiwan MND and CDC to tour the U.S. level 4 ward located at Fort Detrick, Maryland. (AIT ECON and COMM were unaware of these visits. Reftel report on the DOD tour noted that the Taiwan facility claims to have a sample of a smallpox strain that produces a 100% fatality rate.) Trudil noted that there is currently only one other level 4 ward in the world, located in Siberia. ¶2. (S//NF) According to Trudil, funding for the level 4 ward was approved five years ago as part of Taiwan,s MND budget, however, the funds have since been transferred to CDC. Trudil claims to have known Taiwan CDC Director Steve Kuo for several years. NHDetect is partnering with Battelle on the bid. Trudil and Battelle National Security Division Vice President David Robinson will make their bid presentation to Taiwan CDC on November 4. Trudil gave AIT officers copies of an advocacy letter from U.S. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. Trudil said he was unaware of any restrictions on the export of equipment or technology related to level 4 pathogens, but that Battelle lawyers would certainly check and apply for any needed licenses. Trudil also mentioned that Taiwan would be hosting an international biological defense conference in early December that would be attended by U.S. CDC and DOD personnel. ¶3. (S//NF) Action request: Given the WMD aspects of this project, AIT requests Department coordinate with the Advocacy Center on how to respond to the advocacy request, and provide AIT with general guidance on what restrictions exist on the export of equipment and technology related to level 4 pathogens. Keegan