Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIJING15153
2006-07-20 11:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

TFLEO1: PRC/LEBANON - BEIJING CONCERNED ABOUT

Tags:  PREL AEMR MARR CH IS LE 
pdf how-to read a cable
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INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0182
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0149
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RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 015153 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2016
TAGS: PREL AEMR MARR CH IS LE
SUBJECT: TFLEO1: PRC/LEBANON - BEIJING CONCERNED ABOUT
STABILITY AND UNIFIL CONTINGENT

REF: BEIJING 14887

Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard D. Kagan. Reasons
1.4 (b/d).

SUMMARY
-------

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 015153

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2016
TAGS: PREL AEMR MARR CH IS LE
SUBJECT: TFLEO1: PRC/LEBANON - BEIJING CONCERNED ABOUT
STABILITY AND UNIFIL CONTINGENT

REF: BEIJING 14887

Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard D. Kagan. Reasons
1.4 (b/d).

SUMMARY
--------------


1. (C) China is concerned about the situation in Lebanon,
but has no clear definition of a red line that would trigger
a stronger Chinese reaction to Israel's offensive, according
to an MFA official. China's response to unfolding events
will depend on the reaction of the international community,
particularly to the report of the UNSYG's Special Envoy team
dispatched to the Middle East and the French UNSC proposal
calling for a ceasefire. Beijing is willing to consider an
international peace-keeping force and is concerned about the
safety of its approximately 200-strong UNIFIL contingent as
well as remaining staff at China's Embassy in Beirut
(reftel). Since the beginning of the crisis, Beijing has
passed messages between Israel and Lebanon but has not tried
to use its influence to persuade Syria and Iran to restrain
Lebanon and currently has no plans to do so. China's desired
outcome is a return to the pre-abduction status quo in
Lebanon. END SUMMARY.

CHINA IS CONCERNED BUT WILL NOT TAKE A LEADING ROLE
-------------- --------------


2. (C) China views the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah
as serious, dangerous and difficult, MFA West Asia North
Africa Department Levant Division Deputy Director Xu Chen
told Poloffs on July 20. China has urged all parties to use
restraint, called for the release of the Israeli hostages and
encouraged Israel to refrain from excessive force. China has
not condemned the actions of any party as this will not help
the situation, argued Xu. He noted that France, the EU,
Russia and the G-8 are trying to influence Israel and
Hezbollah to show restraint, to no avail. Beijing hopes
Secretary Rice's visit to the region will produce results.

SIPDIS


3. (C) Noting that the PRC has not condemned Israel but is
concerned about the consequences of further escalation, Xu
said Beijing has no clear definition of a red line Israel

might cross which would trigger a strong Chinese response.
Suggesting that members of the international community will
exert more pressure on Israel as civilian casualties in
Lebanon rise, Xu said China's response "will depend on the
international community's reaction." He placed particular
emphasis on the report from the UN Special Envoy as well as
the French proposal for a UNSC resolution calling for a
ceasefire. Responding to Poloffs' emphasis on the need to
fully implement UNSC Resolution 1559, Xu stated that any
attempt to disarm Hezbollah would likely lead to a civil war
or at least increased instability in Lebanon. Stressing the
importance of Hezbollah returning the kidnapped Israeli
soldiers, he said the PRC's desired outcome is a return to
the pre-abduction status quo.

NEW PEACEKEEPING FORCE?
--------------


4. (C) Xu said China views an international peace-keeping
force as a positive idea that could help calm the situation.
However, the PRC already has about 200 soldiers in Lebanon
under UNIFIL command and is worried about their safety,
though none have been harmed to date. Beijing has passed
these concerns directly to Israel, according to Xu, who said
the PRC would consider sending more peace-keepers depending
on the circumstances.


5. (C) Xu also expressed concern about the safety of the
approximately 10 staff (including the Ambassador and Defense
Attache) remaining at its Beirut Embassy, which is located
about one kilometer from Hezbollah headquarters. Xu noted an
earlier PRC request for U.S. assistance to evacuate these
employees should the need arise, highlighting Beijing's
appreciation for U.S. cooperation. He added that China has
been in contact with Israel, both in Beijing and Israel and
had good discussions regarding Chinese troops in Lebanon and
the evacuation of Chinese citizens. Chinese citizens were
evacuated three days ago, and today safely arrived in China.

BEIJING 00015153 002 OF 002



PASSING MESSAGES BUT NOT TO SYRIA OR IRAN
--------------


6. (C) In response to our query, Xu said the PRC has no plans
to discuss the current violence in Lebanon with Syria or Iran
or to urge them to use their influence over Hezbollah. He
stressed that China has no direct contact with Hamas or
Hezbollah. Pressed on Syria's ability to influence
Hezbollah, Xu said China believes there is no direct evidence
that Syria is involved in the current fighting. He noted
that at the June Sino Arab Summit in Beijing, Syrian Foreign
Minister Muallem told PRC officials Syria sought a peaceful
and stable Lebanon. However, if a proper opportunity arises,
Xu said China will raise its concerns with Syria and Iran.
Noting China's good relations with Syria and Iran, Poloffs
urged Beijing to use its influence to encourage quick return
of the captives and steps toward a cessation of hostilities.



7. (C) Xu reviewed efforts by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to
pass messages from one side to another, while adding that
China has refrained from deeper involvement. Lebanese
parliamentarian Saad Hariri was in Beijing on the day of the
second kidnapping and urged FM Li to use his influence to
gain Israel's restraint. FM Li subsequently met in Beijing
with Israeli Knesset member Tzahi Hanegbi, who was en route
to Mongolia, urging him to refrain from excessive force. FM
Li also called Lebanese Premier, passing on Israel's call for
the immediate release of the captives.
RANDT