MFA COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG PRESSES FOR CHAN AS

C O N F I D E N T I A L HONG KONG 003912 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP AND EAP/CM NSC FOR WILDER E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2031 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR PREL HK CH SUBJECT: MFA COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG PRESSES FOR CHAN AS WHO DIRECTOR GENERAL Classified By: Consul General James B. Cunningham. Reasons: 1.4 (b,d). 1) (C) In two recent meetings between the Consul General and Lu Xinhua, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commissioner to Hong Kong, Lu has pressed politely but with some emphasis for United States support for Margaret Chan to take up the position of Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO). In meetings on September 21 and 27, Lu cited Chan's qualifications, her previous experience as the director of Hong Kong's Department of Health, and the positive assessments her work as an Assistant Director General in the WHO has received. 2) (C) Lu remarked, "If Chan wins, it would mean a lot for the 'one country, two systems' model and could also show the high degree of autonomy that China has guaranteed to Hong Kong." Lu added that the PRC central government has "always supported" the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's engagement with the international community. When the Consul General responded that the United States considers her a very serious candidate, Lu said, "We very much hope for the support of the United States, as a friendly country. U.S. support will be important for her candidacy's success. It would be good if the U.S. and China could join in supporting her." 3) (C) Comment: Lu's presentations left us little doubt he meant to convey that China sees Margaret Chan's nomination as a key issue affecting national prestige and "face." Cunningham