TFLEO1: PRC/LEBANON - BEIJING CONCERNED ABOUT

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