MFA OPPOSES MEETING BETWEEN UNDER SECRETARY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 024202 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2031 TAGS: PREL PHUM CH SUBJECT: MFA OPPOSES MEETING BETWEEN UNDER SECRETARY DOBRIANSKY AND THE DALAI LAMA REF: BEIJING 23939 Classified By: Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission David S. Sedney. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) China "strongly opposes" a meeting between Under Secretary Dobriansky and the Dalai Lama, MFA Director General (DG) for North American and Oceanian Affairs Liu Jieyi told the DCM on November 30. China demands that the meeting not take place because the "Dalai Lama's regime" supports Tibetan independence. Liu said that the United States' actions do not match its statements opposing Tibetan independence and that a meeting with the Dalai Lama would be a "big mistake." The DCM reaffirmed that the United States regards Tibet as part of China and rejected Liu's claim that Under Secretary Dobriansky's meeting with the Dalai Lama would constitute support for Tibetan independence. The DCM urged the Chinese Government to engage in discussion with the Dalai Lama to resolve outstanding issues. End Summary. ¶2. (C) DG Liu Jieyi told the DCM on November 30 that the Chinese Government understands that Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky plans to visit the Dalai SIPDIS Lama and that, if this is correct, China "strongly opposes" the visit. Liu said the Chinese Government "formally demands" that the meeting not take place, on the grounds that the Dalai Lama's "regime is a political regime" that supports Tibetan independence. Liu said that the Chinese Government opposes official contact between any state and the "Dalai Lama's regime" as well as any state's support for the "regime." Liu said he is surprised that Under Secretary Dobriansky plans to meet the Dalai Lama SIPDIS despite previous demarches delivered by Chinese officials in Washington and Beijing opposing this. ¶3. (C) DG Liu said China acknowledges that the United States has stated that it recognizes Tibet as part of China and its opposition to Tibetan independence, but asserted that the United States' actions are inconsistent with these commitments. He urged that the United States "honor its commitments concerning Tibet." Liu said it would be a "big mistake" for a high-level United States official to meet with the Dalai Lama. He also objected to Under Secretary Dobriansky's designation as Special Coordinator for Tibet, saying that this designation is a "big mistake." ¶4. (C) The DCM reaffirmed that the United States Government regards Tibet as an integral part of China and rejected Liu's claim that Under Secretary Dobriansky's meeting with the Dalai Lama would constitute support for Tibetan independence. The United States honors its commitments. The experience of the United States is that the Dalai Lama does not advocate Tibetan independence. The Dalai Lama is an important spiritual and religious leader who enjoys widespread sympathy and support among Americans. The Chinese Government should engage in serious discussions with the Dalai Lama to resolve outstanding issues. The DCM told Liu that he would convey Liu's message to Washington, in accordance with Liu's request. Randt