AMBASSADOR RAISES REPORTED SHOOTINGS OF TIBETANS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 021638 E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/12/2016 TAGS: PREL PHUM PREF CH SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RAISES REPORTED SHOOTINGS OF TIBETANS WITH VFM YANG JIECHI REF: KATHMANDU 2677 (NOTAL) Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) Summary: The Ambassador expressed to Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi the United States' deep concern about reports that Tibetans crossing into Nepal were fired upon on September 30 by a Chinese border patrol. Reports indicate a Tibetan nun and perhaps one other Tibetan were shot and killed. VFM Yang said he would look into the matter. End Summary. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador met with Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on October 12 and expressed the United States' deep concern about reports (reftel and media reports) that a group of Tibetans crossing into Nepal via the Nangpa La Pass on September 30 was fired upon by a Chinese border patrol. Reports indicate a Tibetan nun and perhaps one other Tibetan were shot and killed. The United States is concerned for the safety of children and others among the group attacked who are missing and reportedly were detained by Chinese border security or military officials. ¶3. (C) VFM Yang told the Ambassador he will look into the reported shootings, although such reports are often speculative, he added. China will continue to maintain security along its borders. China hopes the United States will not go further in permitting Tibetans who live in Nepal to resettle in the United States. Pushing back, the Ambassador responded to VFM Yang that if the reports are confirmed, such actions by the China would be reprehensible and contrary to international standards of behavior and human rights. ¶4. (C) POLOFF separately raised the United States' concerns over the reported shootings of Tibetans in an October 11 exchange with MFA Human Rights Officer Xu Jing. British Embassy Human Rights Officer Lucy Hughes told POLOFF she had conveyed the British Government's concerns over the reported shootings in an October 12 meeting with MFA Human Rights Acting Director Li Nan. Randt