PRC/BURMA: CHINA URGES THAT BURMA NOT BE RAISED AT

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 023854 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/CM, EAP/MLS USUN FOR PHEE NSC FOR MORROW E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2026 TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM BM CH SUBJECT: PRC/BURMA: CHINA URGES THAT BURMA NOT BE RAISED AT SECURITY COUNCIL Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard Kagan. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) While China is gradually changing its foreign policy to accept cases for humanitarian intervention before the UN Security Council in instances of gross human rights violations, Burma's domestic problems do not constitute such a threat to international peace and security, MFA IO UN Division Director Yang Tao told Poloffs on November 17. Raising the issue during a meeting on other matters, Yang said China has heard that the United States was dissatisfied with Burmese cooperation with UN Undersecretary General Gambari's visit to Burma. In China's view Burma is "little-by-little moving in the right direction, although the pace is too slow." If Burma's case remains with the Human Rights Council and is not put before the UN Security Council, China might be willing to abstain on Human Rights Council condemnation of Burmese government actions, Yang speculated, stressing that he was offering his personal view. ¶2. (C) Poloff emphasized U.S. concern about the deteriorating situation in Burma. As Burma's neighbor, China should be well aware of the regional stability and security implications created by a rogue state in Southeast Asia. While we understand China has a special relationship with Burma, we urge China to use its unique leverage to encourage the Burmese regime to move in a more positive direction for the sake of its own people and the region. The United States believes that Burma fully qualifies to be discussed by the UN Security Council and that the regional implications point to the need for Security Council action, Poloff underscored. Randt