TAIWAN REP ON WHO, OMAN TIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000298 SIPDIS STATE FOR INR/B, EAP/TC, NEA/ARPI, IO/T E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2016 TAGS: PREL PINR EFIS EPET TW MU SUBJECT: TAIWAN REP ON WHO, OMAN TIES REF: 04 STATE 102782 Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. Reason: 1.4 (b, d). ¶1. (U) See bio notes in para 4. ¶2. (C) In a February 28 meeting in a neutral location, Paul Yung-feng Hsu, head of the local "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office," solicited Pol/Econ Chief's help to encourage Oman to support Taiwan's bid for observer status at the World Health Assembly in May. P/E Chief replied that no action could be undertaken without instruction from Washington (e.g., reftel). Hsu did not indicate whether Taipei was determined to seek a formal vote on the matter, unlike in 2005 when it stepped back following the 2004 defeat. Hsu noted that Oman has been largely silent regarding its position, though Kuwait is a vocal opponent of Taiwan's position. ¶3. (C) Hsu generally described Oman's attitude toward Taiwan in negative terms. Taiwan, he said, ranks fifth among importers of Omani petroleum (the PRC ranks first),but the tonnage pales in comparison to oil imports from Saudi Arabia and others. Taiwan, he said, considered buying Omani LNG, but reached a long-term offtake agreement with Qatar instead. There is little Taiwanese investment in Oman, as UAE, India and other nearby states have proven far more "hospitable." He said a fleet of 70 Taiwanese fishing vessels regularly buy Omani permits to catch tuna. Hsu said he has very little access or engagement with the Omani government, and knew the titles but not names of key MFA officials. -------------- Bio Notes -------------- ¶4. (C) Hsu has a decent command of English. Born in 1946, he is nearing retirement age. He previously served in the U.S. and Nigeria, among other postings. His wife is a dual U.S. citizen; he has two sons living in Kansas and a daughter pursuing an MBA at the University of Rochester (New York state). Hsu appeared sympathetic to Taiwanese President Chen's ruling party. BALTIMORE