Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIJING9009
2006-05-15 03:24:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
PACOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL FALLON MEETING WITH
how-toVZCZCXRO3999 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH DE RUEHBJ #9009/01 1350324 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 150324Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5246 INFO RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 009009
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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
-------
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
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