PACOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL FALLON MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 009009 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC PLEASE PASS WILDER E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2016 TAGS: PREL MOPS CH TW KN JP SUBJECT: PACOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL FALLON MEETING WITH CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER LI ZHAOXING Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Daniel L. Shields. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing agreed to adjust his schedule to allow for a meeting with Admiral Fallon in spite of his heavy commitments in the run-up to a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. FM Li told Admiral Fallon that the aim of China's military development is to safeguard global peace and to allow all countries to enjoy stable economic advancement. At a May 12 meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, FM Li stressed that while China is committed to cooperating with the United States to combat terrorism, Beijing is concerned by the recent transfer of ethnic Uighurs to Albania. China wants to see a "positive result" from the upcoming London meeting on Iran, FM Li said, adding that "we do not want to see Iran possess nuclear weapons." On North Korea, FM Li suggested that the United States have more direct contact with the DPRK. FM Li also discussed China's human rights situation, Taiwan and the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting. Admiral Fallon informed FM Li that the Congressionally-mandated China Military Power annual report will be released by the end of May. The Admiral underlined that the report will note that China has the potential to become a competitor. He urged increased engagement between the U.S. and Chinese militaries with a view to enhancing transparency. With each exchange, we will understand each other better, the Admiral said. End Summary. Upcoming Report -------------- ¶2. (C) Admiral Fallon told FM Li that the Congressionally mandated annual China Military Power Report will be released to the public later this month. The Admiral said the report attempts to lay out in objective terms the U.S. military's estimate of the Chinese armed forces' technical advances and long- term goals. The report also touches on Taiwan and other issues. As with the National Security Strategy document, the paper emphasizes President Bush's statement that the United States welcomes China's rise as a world power but encourages its leadership to make positive choices and be a responsible player on the international stage. He cautioned FM Li that the report includes a statement that among the nations in the world, China has the greatest potential to become a competitor to the United States. This conclusion is based on China's economic and military growth. In this context, the Admiral stressed that the United States does not have access to the kind of military information that could better illuminate China's intentions. ¶3. (C) Against this backdrop, the United States wants to encourage more exchanges and interaction between our two militaries, Admiral Fallon underlined. With each engagement, we can learn more about each other and alleviate misconceptions. Despite the fact that the United States and China have considerable cooperation and contact in business, education and other spheres, one area that lags behind is mil-mil- relations. "The anchor is dragging," the Admiral said, holding back progress toward increased understanding. FM Li: China Not a Threat -------------- ¶4. (C) FM Li expressed hope that this year's report on China's military would be "fairer, more objective and more constructive" than last year's. He contended that the aim of China's military development is to safeguard global peace and to allow all countries to enjoy stable economic advancement. This represents an opportunity for the international community as opposed to a threat, as has been alleged by a small number of U.S. politicians "who turn a blind eye to the facts or have ulterior political motives." China's goal is to focus on its own peaceful development so that its BEIJING 00009009 002 OF 003 citizens can improve their lives. In international relations, peace and stability are in China's interests so that global economic and social progress can continue. Any other reading of China's domestic and foreign policy is not in line with the facts, FM Li argued. Uighurs in Albania -------------- ¶5. (C) FM Li expressed concern over the United States' transfer to a third country of Chinese nationals who are suspected terrorists (a reference to the five ethnic Uighurs who were recently resettled in Albania). FM Li said China hopes the United States will take China's representations on the matter seriously so that we can continue to cooperate in fighting terrorism. Iran and North Korea -------------- ¶6. (C) On other global matters, FM Li remarked that China and the United States have considerable common interests. He pointed in particular to nonproliferation. On the Iran nuclear issue, FM Li said he hoped the Political Directors' meeting in London will have positive results. "We all do not want to see Iran possess nuclear weapons," FM Li said, underscoring that China does not want the Middle East to become even more turbulent. On North Korea, FM Li urged all sides to display flexibility. He suggested that the United States have more direct contact with the DPRK. This would go a long way to building confidence. China urges all parties to return to the Six-Party Talks, FM Li concluded, adding that negotiation is always preferable to confrontation. Taiwan -------------- ¶7. (C) Describing President Hu's recent visit to the United States as a success, FM Li said President Bush's reaffirmation of the United States' adherence to the One-China Policy was especially welcome. He went on to criticize Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, charging that Chen is working hard to sow discord between the Mainland and the United States. FM Li said he hopes Washington understands that an "unbridled and unchecked" Chen presents a real danger to U.S.-China relations. This could harm U.S. strategic interests, FM Li maintained, because of the possible threat to peace and stability. The SCO Targets No "Third Country" -------------- ¶8. (C) FM Li said he will be traveling May 13 to a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the SCO. He made a point of emphasizing to Admiral Fallon that cooperation among the group is meant to bolster the member states but that the nature of the alliance is "mutually beneficial, neutral and not directed toward any third country." (Note: The Foreign Minister did not say so explicitly, but he meant the United States.) After the SCO meeting, FM Li intends to travel directly to Mexico City, transiting through Los Angeles. Human Rights -------------- ¶9. (C) FM Li acknowledged that frictions exist between the United States and China in certain areas, particularly the human rights situation within China. FM Li said Beijing wants to continue its dialogue with the United States on Human Rights issues. He stated that the Chinese Government's primary mission is to improve the living standards of its citizens. In addition, however, the Government is committed to increasing political rights and implementing Article II of China's Constitution, that is, that the state will respect the human rights of its people. Transparency Is Key -------------- BEIJING 00009009 003 OF 003 ¶10. (C) Admiral Fallon returned to the theme of increased openness, urging more transparency in China's military sector. The Admiral said that as a military professional, he understands the desire to transition China's military from a concentration on sheer manpower to developing a more modern force. But i the goal is to create a more sophisticated force, why is the bulk of the military budget going toward strategic weapons systems rather than investing in people? Perhaps with increased exchanges, the Admiral observed, the United States would better understand China's strategy in this regard. Bio Note -------------- ¶11. (C) Bio note: FM Li related that when he was in high school, he dreamed of being in the military. He tried to enlist in the air force. On the second round of physicals, however, he was rejected. The reason? His sense of smell was not acute enough, he said. In the end he served in the PLA infantry but never rose above the level of squad leader. ¶12. (U) Admiral Fallon has cleared this message. Participants -------------- ¶13. (U) Participants: United States: Admiral William J. Fallon Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. General Ralph Jodice, Defense Attache Political Advisor Ravic Huso Interpreter Notetaker China: Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Yang Jiechi, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office of North America and Oceania Affairs Deng Hongbo, Deputy Director General, MFA Office of North America and Oceania Affairs Interpreter Notetaker RANDT