PRC/IRAN: MFA SAYS TEHRAN SHOWS LITTLE FLEXIBILITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007652

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/21/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP IR CH
SUBJECT: PRC/IRAN: MFA SAYS TEHRAN SHOWS LITTLE FLEXIBILITY
ON ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM

REF: MOSCOW 04120

Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard Kagan. Reasons 1.5
(b/d).

Summary
--------------


1. (C) Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai went to Tehran
April 15)16 to deliver the message that Iran must stop its
uranium enrichment activities in order to prevent the current
situation from spiraling out of control, according to MFA
Iran Desk Director Xu Wei. Xu, who served as Cui's
interpreter, provided a readout that tracked closely with
Cui's readout to Under Secretary Burns in Moscow (reftel).
The Iranians took a very tough line with Cui, rejecting
China's warnings and proposals, saying that negotiations are
"useless," while expressing a desire for direct talks with
the United States. Xu asserted that there is a faction in
the Iranian government that is waiting for what it perceives
to be international provocation to aggressively push ahead
its nuclear program. Xu argues that Iran's young,
well-educated population is supportive of the current regime
but want Tehran to establish normal relations with the United
States. End Summary.

Suspension of Enrichment Activities is the Only Way Out
-------------- --------------


2. (C) During an April 20 meeting with poloff, MFA West Asian
and North African Affairs Department Iran Desk Director Xu
Wei provided a readout of Assistant Foreign Minister Cui
Tiankai's meetings in Tehran that tracked closely with Cui's
readout to Under Secretary Burns (reftel). Noting that he
had served as the PRC delegation's interpreter, Xu recounted
that Supreme National Security Council Deputy Secretary
General Javad Vaidi told Cui that Tehran is "tired of wasting
time, has been cheated by the EU-3 and lost three years in
the development of its nuclear program." (Note: Xu did not
accompany Cui to Moscow. End Note.) Several Iranian
interlocutors (NFI) told Cui that Iran hopes for direct talks
with the United States on the nuclear issue, according to Xu.
He said Cui's key message was that Tehran must stop its
uranium enrichment activities to prevent the current
situation from spiraling out of control. Cui stressed
Beijing's unhappiness with Tehran's announcement that it has
successfully enriched uranium, warning in strong terms that
Iran is provoking the international community. Xu expressed
great frustration that Iran rejected the Chinese overtures.

Beijing Probing U.S. Response to Russia's Iran Policy
-------------- --------------


3. (C) Xu was not willing to discuss Beijing's perceptions of
where Russia currently stands on the Iranian nuclear issue.
He did note with concern press reports claiming that Russia
is planning to sell Iran sophisticated air-defense systems
and wondered what the U.S. reaction would be if the sale goes
through.

Interlocutors Showing Little Flexibility
--------------


4. (C) Xu stated that in the past he has not had much contact
with Supreme National Security Council Deputy Secretary
General Javad Vaidi, but noted that Vaidi is now playing a
central role in Iran's negotiations on its nuclear program.
(Note: Xu served in the PRC Embassy in Tehran for five years,
is one of the MFA's top Persian linguists, and claims to be
directly involved in most of the MFA's interactions with
Iran. End Note.) Xu characterized Vaidi as being inflexible
and showing no willingness to cooperate. Xu said that Vaidi
is much "tougher" than his boss, Supreme National Security
Council Secretary General Ali Larijani or Ministry of Foreign
Affairs officials.

Iran's Obstinance Reflects International Pressure
-------------- --------------


5. (C) Noting his years working in Iran as well as in his
current position, Xu said that increasing international
pressure on Iran will only result in greater resistance from
Iran to comply with IAEA and UNSC demands. He asserted that
there is a "group in Iran waiting for international
provocation to aggressively push ahead its nuclear program"
and that these individuals actually hope to see the UNSC
adopt sanctions. Xu stated that this group is willing to
stand up to the international community and to "bear the
consequences" in order to cast Iran as an example of the
perfect Islamic state for the Islamic world.

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"Young Turks" Sitting on the Fence
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6. (C) Xu described Iran's young, well-educated population as
the "Young Turks." He said that overall the Young Turks are
supportive of the current Iranian regime, but that this group
wants normal relations with the United States. Xu, repeating
himself three times, said that the United States should reach
out to this group and "capture their hearts."

MFA Trifurcating Iran Responsibilities
--------------


7. (C) Alluding to bureaucratic disagreements within the PRC
MFA, Xu commented that the Iranian issue is complicated
because it is being handled by three departments. Xu's
Department, West Asia and African Affairs, is responsible for
handling all bilateral discussions with Iran. The MFA Arms
Control and Disarmament Department is responsible for
handling the discussions at the IAEA as well as bilateral
discussions between Beijing and third country governments
other than Iran, while the MFA's International Organizations
Department handles discussions at the UN Security Council.
Xu said that this "creates a comprehensive picture but each
department has its own specialized expertise."

Wang Lequan Visits Iran
--------------


8. (C) Politburo member and Party Secretary General of
Xinjiang province was visiting Iran at the same time AFM Cui
visited. Xu said that Wang's visit was part of a "sister
province" program and was the reciprocal visit after Iran
sent a delegation to Xinjiang province a few years ago. Xu
pointed out that Wang was meeting with local officials and
party members and claimed that he is not there on central
government business.
SEDNEY