CHINA DISAPPOINTED BURMA PLACED ON UNSC AGENDA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 020012 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2016 TAGS: PREL UNSC BM CH SUBJECT: CHINA DISAPPOINTED BURMA PLACED ON UNSC AGENDA REF: STATE 155034 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Daniel Shields. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) China was disappointed by the decision to place Burma on the UN Security Council's agenda, MFA Deputy Division Director for United Nations Affairs Yao Shaojun said in response to reftel demarche. After noting he would convey the USG position and seek an official response, Yao offered his informal reaction that Beijing believes placing Burma on the UNSC agenda is counterproductive to encouraging a positive domestic direction in the country. ¶2. (C) Poloff responded by drawing on reftel points to note that the United States will continue to seek support for a non-punitive UNSC resolution on Burma this fall. The USG believes the international community should speak with one voice to press the Burmese regime to seek reform and change in the interests of its people and regional stability, he said. RANDT